Against the Bias: Exploring Africa’s Contemporary Art at Mount Nelson
The famous Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel in Cape Town, is renowned for its cultural heritage and support of artistic voices. The hotel now welcomes a new curation by RESERVOIR to its iconic pink walls. Titled “Against the Bias: Unravelling Material Codes,” the exhibition features works by thirteen of Africa’s leading contemporary artists.
Building on Past Success
This initiative follows the highly acclaimed CONFECTIONS X COLLECTIONS showcase. Each year, this event celebrates African creativity through intimate fashion shows that spotlight sustainable local brands. Curated by Twyg, these shows honour the craftsmanship and the unique stories behind each designer’s work.
To complement the event, Mount Nelson’s pastry chef, Vicky Gurovich, collaborates with the designers. The result is limited-edition Afternoon Tea menus inspired by the featured designs.
Against the Bias at Mount Nelson
Through “Against the Bias,” Mount Nelson continues its support of creative spaces. This exhibition enhances conversations around slow fashion, sustainable luxury and the artistry of handcrafted design.
Importantly, the collection explores the duality of textiles and dress, examining how fashion moves beyond functionality. It highlights how garments can express identity, convey memory and even make social commentary. The title, “Against the Bias,” plays on the term’s dual meaning. While it refers to cutting fabric diagonally for flexibility, it also symbolises resisting conventional structures, much like the artists showcased.
For RESERVOIR founders Heinrich Groenewald and Shona van der Merwe, this idea drives the exhibition. “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.”
Working alongside WHATIFTHEWORLD, they have integrated the collection throughout the hotel’s public spaces. From Planet Bar to the lounge where Afternoon Tea is served, the art enriches every corner. The exhibition brings together photography, sculpture, woodwork, tapestry and paintings, all from leading African artists.
The Artists
Featured artists include 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 and Sthenjwa Luthuli. Each artist brings a deeply personal perspective to themes of materiality and identity.
For example, Ogunbanwo’s Nigerian bridal portraits reflect class complexities and cultural customs. Meanwhile, Kambudu combines mirrors, glass and Shweshwe print to explore ancestry and the unknown. Davids incorporates her family’s dressmaker laces, pins and beads to explore belonging within Cape Muslim communities.
“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.”
A Celebration of Mount Nelson’s 125th Anniversary
Finally, as the hotel celebrates its 125th anniversary, the exhibition adds even more significance to the milestone.
Tiago Moraes Sarmento, Managing Director of Belmond Southern Africa states: “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.”
These pieces will adorn the hotel’s halls until February 2025 so head over there to check them out.
