Municipality mixing in the right art circles

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KNYSNA NEWS – The Kringe in 'n Bos (Circles in a Forest) art installation in Knysna Central was officially opened by the Knysna Arts Society (KAS) on Tuesday 16 August.

At the event, the installation was handed over to Knysna Municipality as it forms part of the larger Knysna Art Project, which is a joint venture between the municipality, KAS and Visit Knysna.

The Knysna Art Project was launched in August 2021 with the opening of the Wall of Wings in Brenton-on-Sea. It is a collection of interactive art projects all around the greater area of the municipality - from Sedgefield to Buffalo Bay, Brenton-on-Sea, Judah Square and now, Knysna Central.

The project was pioneered by KAS and, courtesy of assistance from the municipality and Visit Knysna, it has grown to include many installations created and curated by countless artists, both local and from afar.

The latest addition is Kringe in 'n Bos, which started out with just a few circles and a handful of artists during the Knysna Oyster Festival, but ultimately grew into a collection of 81 circles painted by an incredible 60 different artists.

PHOTO GALLERY: Kringe in 'n Bos art installation

Not only is it an impressive testament to the skills of the artists and a showcase of the very best bits that Knysna has to offer - from the Knysna elephant to the Knysna dwarf chameleon and the Knysna Heads - it is also a tribute to late South African Afrikaans author Dalene Matthee.

She authored a series of four books dedicated entirely to telling the stories of the enchanting and world-renowned Knysna forests, one of which was titled Kringe in 'n Bos - after which the art installation was named.

The installation is also a tribute to the late Dalene Matthee.

'Peaceful and beautiful'

A soft opening was already held on 8 July to thank the artists for their invaluable contribution, but the official opening had to wait until Tuesday. Various stakeholders in the project were present, including Knysna Mayor Levael Davis, Ward 10 Councillor Peter Bester and Member of the Mayoral Committee for Finance and Economy Sharon Sabbagh.

"This area should bring peace, and create a safe space for all of the public to come and enjoy," said the mayor during his speech.

"Art is peaceful, and beautiful, and I want to encourage the members of the public to come out and enjoy this incredible installation with your loved ones, your friends, and your family." After more speeches from municipal officials as well as representatives of KAS, attendees of the event were treated to coffee and doughnuts.

KAS received welcome help from sponsors for this installation, 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. My Gutters sponsored and installed brand-new aluminium gutters on the roof above the wall, and Ivy Gardens rejuvenated the area.

Knysna Mayor Levael Davis.