Curated by Dirkie Offringa

The general aims of the annual outdoor sculpture exhibitions presented by the Stellenbosch Outdoor Sculpture Trust are to turn Stellenbosch into an art destination and to create a public awareness of the interplay between art, architecture and public spaces. Sculptures and art installations planted in cities or nature ask the viewer to reflect on more than just the artwork. By placing art out of doors the Trust aims to make art accessible to everybody and bring established artists as well as new talent to the people. We hope that this will create a familiarity with and an appreciation of art and also an awareness of heritage conservation in general.

When we selected the theme, we were also thinking of the play of light on white historical walls and mirrored images in historical furrows and ourselves mirrored in reflective surfaces, but most artists chose to consider, reflect and meditate on contemporary issues. We see public art as having the power to energise and transform the spaces where we live, work and play into more welcoming environments. We believe art can enhance the quality of life by heightening our sense of place and pride. We hope that you will find it so.

Reflection, in reference to surfaces throwing back light or heat; Re-flection, (re = back; flectere = to bend) literally “a bending back”, “bend backwards”

Reflect, a thought occurring in consideration or meditation; fixing of thought on something.

Kyk Weer: openbare kuns in Stellenbosch IV

Die algemene doelstelling van die jaarlikse buitelug beeldhou uitstallings wat deur die Stellenbosch Buitelug Beeldhou Trust aangebied word is om Stellenbosch ‘n kunsbestemming te maak en om die publiek bewus te maak van die wisselwerking tussen kuns, argitektuur en openbare ruimtes.

Beeldhouwerk en kunsinstallasies wat in stede geplaas word, vra die kyker om te dink aan meer as net die kunswerk. Deur kuns in die buitelug te plaas, poog die Trust om kuns toeganklik te maak vir almal en om die werk van bekende en nuwe kunstenaars na die mense te bring. Ons hoop dat dit ‘n bekendheid met en ‘n waardering vir kuns en sommer ook vir erfenisbewaring te skep.

Toe ons die tema gekies het, het ons ook gedink aan die spel van lig op wit historiese mure en weerkaatsings in die historiese leivore en spieëlbeelde van onsself, maar meeste kunstenaars het gekies om na te dink en te reflekteer oor eietydse vraagstukke. Kyk dus weer.

Openbare kuns het die vermoë om die ruimtes waarin ons werk, leef en speel met energie te vul en in meer welkome areas te omskep. Openbare kuns kan ons lewensgehalte verhoog deur ons gewaarwording van plek en ons gevoel van trots te versterk. Ons hoop dat u dit ook so sal ervaar.