Encircling Knysna's art community

KNYSNA NEWS - A brand-new interactive art installation has begun to take shape in the middle of Knysna, arguably in a place few would have expected - the back of the wall behind Knysna Municipality's financial building and the Knysna Town Hall.

The art installation has been given the name 'Kringe in 'n Bos' (Circles in a Forest) in honour of late South African author Dalene Matthee's book of the same name. It is the latest addition to and a continuation of the Knysna Art Project which was launched in August 2021 with the opening of the Wall of Wings in Brenton-on-Sea.

The Knysna Art Project is a collection of interactive art projects all around the greater area of the Knysna Municipality - from Sedgefield to Buffalo Bay, Brenton-on-Sea and of course, Knysna.

This collection of art installations has been pioneered and driven by the Knysna Arts Society (KAS) with the help of Knysna Municipality and Visit Knysna and the many, many artists that have contributed to the various art installations over the past year.

It is perhaps fitting then that the Kringe in 'n Bos wall is the latest addition to the Knysna Art Project as it features a collection of artworks by 60 different artists - both local and from afar.

There is a total of 79 circles that have been painted on the wall. The building is on the street block that is encompassed by Queen and Clyde streets, and the wall that has turned into a stunning art piece can be seen from the southern side of Queen Street.

Given the number of artists that contributed to the wall, the Kringe in 'n Bos installation perfectly embodies the sense of community that has crept its way into the Knysna arts scene.

In preparation for the artists, a stencil of a number of circles was painted, leaving a template of circles of varying sizes for artists to fill with paintings in their own unique style. Artists were allowed to make their contribution to the project during the Knysna Oyster Festival between 1 and 10 July, and they certainly delivered.

"The Kringe in 'n Bos wall is undoubtedly the most impactful project we've done to date. I cannot thank all of the contributing artists enough," said KAS chairperson Helena Gerber.

"Through their skills and efforts we have transformed a dull wall into a piece of true beauty and a welcome addition to our range of Knysna Art Projects. There are so many differing painting styles depicted on the wall, and you will be hard-pressed to find another installation with such varying styles and amazing levels of skill."

KAS received welcome help from sponsors for the project, one of which was Pick-a-Paint, who provided the paint for the project as well as technical advice on preparing the surface. They will also be assisting with other projects going forward.

"Pick-a-Paint has been a fantastic partner during this project. We are so thankful to them as well as My Gutters who sponsored and installed brand new aluminium gutters on the roof above the wall, and Ivy Gardens who rejuvenated the area for us," Gerber Said.

A soft opening of the installation was held on Friday 8 July to thank artists for their contribution, and the official opening is expected soon once a few finishing touches have been made.

Some of the 60 artists who contributed to the art installation. Photos: Blake Linder