Following the wonder of CONFECTIONS X COLLECTIONS, an exhibition blending 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, Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town welcomes a new curation by RESERVOIR to its iconic walls. As it continues to shine a spotlight on local arts, “Against the Bias: Unravelling Material Codes” will decorate the halls of this palm-fringed sanctuary with pieces by 13 of Africa’s esteemed contemporary artists, on display until February 2025.
As part of Mount Nelson’s commitment to fostering creative spaces, this exhibition enhances the discourse around slow fashion and sustainable luxury, while celebrating the beauty of artistic handcraft. Following CONFECTIONS X COLLECTIONS, hosted in November—an annual event dedicated to slow African fashion through intimate salon-style shows, curated by Twyg— “Against the Bias” with RESERVOIR adds a new layer of intrigue, taking guests on a tangible journey through diverse and dynamic narratives of contemporary creativity.
The collection pays homage to an artistic conversation on the duality of textile and dress; exploring how fashion transcends the functional to become a vessel of identity, memory, and social critique. The term “bias,” drawn from garment-making, refers to cutting fabric diagonally to create flexibility and fluidity. RESERVOIR founders Heinrich Groenewald and Shona van der Merwe have delved into this double meaning, presenting artists who challenge conventional structures, going against the bias. “We started by thinking about dress codes”, says Heinrich. “How do you see and read people based on what they’re wearing? By unravelling these codes, we’re exploring the hidden layers of meaning, technique, and narrative embedded in fabric and form, revealing how art and fashion both construct and deconstruct our stories, culture, and expression.”
Masters of visual storytelling, RESERVOIR has established itself as the perfect collaborator. Their curatorial talent has led them to international art fairs and most recently, to their second exhibit at The Nellie, where they have worked closely with WHATIFTHEWORLD. Woven throughout Mount Nelson’s public spaces, from Planet Bar to the legendary lounge where Afternoon Tea is served daily, this tactile collection brings together photography, sculpture, woodwork, tapestry, and paintings from leading African artists—namely, Lakin Ogunbanwo, Tangeni Kambudu, Athi-Patra Ruga, Michael Taylor, Michele Mathison, Strauss Louw, Sahlah Davids, Pierre Fouché, Nabeeha Mohamed, Mia Chaplin, Lyndi Sales, Rowan Smith, Sthenjwa Luthuli.
Each artist approaches materiality and identity through a deeply personal lens. The intricate layers of fabric in Ogunbanwo’s Nigerian bridal portraits speak of class complexities and customs; Kambudu’s use of mirror and glass set against Shweshwe print is a meditation on ancestry and what lies beyond; Davids’ work uses generations of her family’s dressmaker laces, pins, beads and other adornments to explore a sense of belonging in the Cape Muslim community. “Mount Nelson has been such a strong supporter, giving these voices a global stage while reinvigorating their space with new stories,” adds Heinrich. “Their commitment to showcasing diverse artistic expressions not only celebrates the talent of today but also fosters a lasting dialogue between cultures, allowing these stories to resonate far beyond the hotel’s walls.”
“This has been a momentous year for all of us at Mount Nelson as we celebrate 125 years of our iconic property,” says Tiago Moraes Sarmento, Managing Director of Belmond Southern Africa. “This exceptional exhibition, curated by RESERVOIR, marks the culmination of our anniversary celebrations. With the immersive experiences we offer through these creative partnerships, we’re proud to provide a platform for Africa’s extraordinary artistic talent, paving the way for the next 125 years and beyond.”
Visit Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town, to experience “Against the Bias: Unravelling Material Codes.” On display until February 2025.