Author: Francesco Stemmet

Lorinda Pretorius. A sculpture created to commemorate the people who were forcefully removed from the old South End by the Group Areas Act under Apartheid.

By Shepherd Xego. A lino cut artwork presents the artist’s own perspective and journey of Route 67. Drawing on architectural features, activities and public artwork, Shepherd guides the visitor through his birds-eye imaginary experiences of the city.

Patrick Watson – Garden design with indigenous plants. Mark Joubert – Planting and rescue work.

By George Kockott. The basic concept and underlying icon woven into this piece is one of waves. Waves of one kind or another tie us all together and roll onwards through history in the making of contemporary times.

Dominique Gulliot in collaboration with Pumlani Kwayiyo, Mxolisi Malcolm Madela, Jane Du Rand and team. This old optical technique used by the likes of Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo, is a combination of optical illusion and mathematics.

a collective of bead workers. This series of artwork are direct response by 30 beaders from the Eastern Cape to 67 quotes by Nelson Mandela over the last 67 years. Each resultant beadwork adds to a larger experience and abstracted narrative of South Africa’s challenges.

Bongani Njalo and Gabriel Chaponda. This mural is like a mirror being held up to the residents of central and greater Port Elizabeth. It reflects the diversity of cultural, racial and ethnic backgrounds within the society.

The Seated Couple by Nico Swart. Two minimalist figures carved from Oregon Pine are seated on high chairs overlooking the Athenaeum foyer. They welcome guests and encouraging conversation in this social space.

The Athenaeum Collection by Various Artists. An exhibition of large works was curated by the Athenaeum to complement the style and grand scale of the building walls with no restrictions placed on subject matter or content. A total of six artworks were selected by artists in different stages in their careers.

Nombuso Jacobs, Sinethemba Joy Mabope, Zandile Snam, Nkosoxolo Vegani, Ntombizanele Nojo Ko, Andiswa Manyota, Tuso Mosia, Patrick Loli, Malcolm Medela, Siyolo Ketababile and Jane Du Rand. The symbolic interpretation of the tiled pieces is a celebration of symbols and icons within Port Elizabeth and its surrounds, referencing various stories, personal ideas and journeys.