A group of Durban artists will hold an exhibition at Mariannhill Monastery from November 5-12 to celebrate the extraordinary impact an obscure Catholic order of monks made in KwaZulu-Natal more than 135 years ago.
In recent years the group have made regular excursions to outstations such as Centocow, Reichenau and Otting, and been inspired in different ways by what they have experienced.
“A few of us are Catholics, while others have been spiritually stimulated in other ways, says group member Maggie Strachan. “Most of us have responded to the wonderful architecture and the beautiful natural environment.”
Members of the group were also inspired by the archives at Mariannhill and some of the artworks are based on the architectural drawings of Brother Nivard as well as a series of fascinating early photographs taken of the priests working with the community.
The exhibition, which will include photographs, paintings and multi-media artworks, will open at the St Anne’s Hall at Mariannhill at 11.30am on Sunday, November 5.
Robert Brusse, one of South Africa’s leading Conservation Architects, will give a talk at St. Anne’s Hall at 11.00 on Saturday 11 November. He has worked on a number of significant projects relating to the history of the Trappists in KZN.