Scava Art and Poetry collaboration inspires

GEORGE NEWS - The South Cape Association for Visual Arts (Scava) hosted an inspiring Art and Poetry Collaboration at the Sayer’s Auditorium of the George Museum on Saturday 13 September. The event drew more than 50 attendees, all eager to experience the unique interplay between the visual and literary arts.

A total of 28 poets presented 52 poems, each inspired by artworks featured in Scava’s Visual Expressions Art Competition.

Some of the artists themselves took to the stage as poets. Among them were Gerrit Jordaan and Shania Heydon. Heydon, whose painting, All Has Purpose, won first prize in the landscape category, recited her own poem about the work, adding a deeply personal layer of meaning to the piece.

The programme reached a highlight when acclaimed poet René Bohnen presented her poem, ’n Terugkyk-ode, a moving tribute to writer Breyten Breytenbach. Bohnen recited the work herself to heartfelt applause.

Behind the scenes, the collaboration was made possible through the efforts of dedicated organisers. Gail Hagemann co-ordinated the poets and also addressed the audience, while René Scribante welcomed artists, poets and guests.

Scribante also ensured that as each poem was read, the relevant artwork was projected on a screen for all to see.

Furthermore, she created displays combining the artworks with the written poems, which will remain on the museum walls so that visitors can reflect on the connections between image and word.

Shania Heydon recites the poem she wrote about her artwork that won first prize in the landscape category.

Guests were warmly welcomed with coffee, tea and biscuits, and after the recitals they mingled and explored the art exhibition that sparked lively conversations. An open-mic session gave members of the public the chance to share their own poems, creating an inclusive and interactive experience.

Some 50 art lovers attended the event.

The collaboration built on the momentum of a workshop held by Heyns Botha the previous Saturday, which explored the connection between art and poetry. Several poems written during that session were presented at the main event, demonstrating the immediate creative impact of the workshop.

“With its mix of poetry readings, visual art and open dialogue, the Collaboration once again displayed the value of uniting different art forms.

"The event not only celebrated artistic achievement, but also deepened the sense of community, leaving attendees inspired by the power of creativity,” said Scribante.

Gail Hagemann helped with the organisation of the event.

Zanne Small’s painting, 'Roses For You', with her poem with the same title.

Riska du Plessis’ poem, ‘Skakerings van haar/Shades of Her’ (written in English and Afrikaans), accompanied Alma van Wyk’s painting with the same title.