Plettenberg Bay went a little “art-crazy” this past week – but not in the way you might think. No sterile galleries or haughty exhibitions – we’re talking “Land Art” and it’s the perfect compliment to Plett’s panoramic scenery.
Walking around the venues of the Site Specific Land Art Biennale 2013, was like stunned by a beautiful sunrise when you aren’t expecting it. There was beach calligraphy, a wooden staircase stretching to the sky, nests and nets created on the rocks of the Beacon Isle A little artistic treasure around every corner.
Calling the Herd
Artist: Strijdom van der Merwe
Photo: Jade Holing
The event began with the unveiling of “Calling the Herd”, by Strijdom van der Merwe, the second permanent piece of Land Art on the Eden to Addo Corridor and what followed was a week of unexpected surprise artworks “popping up” at the various venues. If you didn’t know that there was an event going on you’d think that some clever soul had just gotten creative with the seaweed/mud/driftwood, but chatting to the artists highlighted how much skill, thought and preparation went into creating these masterpieces.
The week also included beach calligraphy workshop, photo workshop, photo contest, eco-walk and evening land art lectures – a whole week packed full of land art and culminating on Friday in the completed works on display for all to enjoy.
The artwork will be available for viewing for one week, or until nature reclaims it! Watch this space for the dates of the next Land Art event or visit Plett in September for some seriously cool adventure races:
PE>>Plett Mountain Bike Race: (14-17 Sept) The inaugural 4 day stage race is already sold out for 2013, so it is sure to be an exciting event! The race will run from Port Elizabeth to Plettenberg Bay showcasing some of South Africa’s most beautiful scenery over the four day period. Watch this space for more information about the 2014 race.
Dr Evil Classic Mountain Bike Race: (19-21 Sept) The name says it all! 3 days of world class mountain biking in the surrounding area with a route designed by the legendary “Dr Evil”!
The Otter Trail Run & Challenge: (21 & 22 Sept, 23 & 24 Sept) The Otter Trail is famous and any hiker worth their salt has completed this beautiful hike from Tsitsikamma to Nature’s Valley. For those looking for more excitement in their outdoor explorations, the Otter Trail Run is for the serious trail runner and the Otter Trail Challenge is more for the recreational trail runner.
