Reservoir And Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town, Collaborate For “Against The Bias: Unravelling Material Codes”
follow the miracle DessertX SeriesThe exhibition, which fuses fashion, art and identity, continues Mount Nelson’s celebration of Africa’s leading design talent.
Revered for its rich cultural heritage and celebration of artistic voices, Belmond Mount Nelson Cape Town’s iconic walls welcome a new curation by RESERVOIR. As it continues to focus on local art,”Fighting Bias: Uncovering the Materials code” will adorn the halls of the palm-fringed shrine with works by 13 of Africa’s respected contemporary artists, on display until February 2025.
As part of Mount Nelson’s commitment to nurturing creative spaces, this exhibition enhances discussions around slow fashion and sustainable luxury, while celebrating the beauty of artistic craftsmanship. Following November’s CONFECTIONS X COLLECTIONS – an annual event curated by Twyg dedicated to showcasing African slow fashion through intimate salon-style performances – “against prejudiceRESERVOIR adds a new layer of attraction, taking guests on a tangible journey through diverse and dynamic narratives of contemporary creativity.
The collection pays homage to artistic conversations about the duality of textiles and clothing; exploring how fashion transcends function and becomes a vehicle for identity, memory and social critique. The term “bias” comes from clothing manufacturing and refers to cutting fabric diagonally to create flexibility and flow. RESERVOIR founders Heinrich Groenewald and Shona van der Merwe delve into this double meaning, showcasing artists who challenge traditional structures and fight against prejudice. “We started with the dress code,” Heinrich said. “How do you see and interpret people based on what they wear? By unraveling these codes, we are exploring hidden layers of meaning, technology and narrative embedded in fabrics and forms, revealing how art and fashion construct and deconstruct our stories, Culture and Expression.”
As a master of visual storytelling, RESERVOIR has become the perfect collaborator. Their curatorial talents have seen them participate in international art fairs and recently had a second exhibition at The Nellie, working closely with WHATIFTHEWORLD. Spread across Mount Nelson’s public spaces, from the Planet Bar to the Legends Lounge where afternoon tea is served daily, this tactile collection brings together photography, sculpture, woodwork, tapestries and paintings by Africa’s leading artists (i.e. Lakin Ogunbanwo, Tangeni Kambudu, Athi) work. -Patra Ruga, Michael Taylor, Michelle Matheson, Strauss Lew, Sach Davis, Pierre Fouche, Nabiha Mohammed, Mia Chaplin Lin, Lindy Sayles, Rowan Smith, Stengiwa Luthuli.
Each artist explores materiality and identity through a deeply personal lens. The intricate layers of fabric in Ogunbanwo’s portraits of Nigerian brides speak to the complexities and customs of class; Kambudu’s use of mirrors and glass against Shweshwe prints is a meditation on ancestors and transcendence; Davis’s work lace, pins, beads and other embellishments from generations of her family’s tailors are used to explore the sense of belonging in Cape Town’s Muslim community. “Mount Nelson has been a staunch supporter, providing a global stage for these voices while revitalizing their space with new stories,” Heinrich added. “They are committed to showcasing diverse artistic expression and not only celebrating today’s talent but also fostering lasting dialogue between cultures so that these stories resonate beyond the hotel walls.”
“This is a big year for all of us at Mount Nelson as we celebrate the 125th anniversary of our iconic hotel,” said Belmond Southern Africa Managing Director Thiago Moraes-Sarmento (Tiago Moraes Sarmento) said. “This extraordinary exhibition curated by RESERVOIR marks the culmination of our anniversary celebrations. With the immersive experiences we are delivering through these creative partners, we are proud to provide a platform for Africa’s extraordinary artistic talent to inspire the next 125 Paving the way for years and beyond.”
Visit Belmond Mount Nelson Cape Town and experience “Fighting Bias: Uncovering the Code of Materials.” On display until February 2025.
