Norval Foundation’s Summer Spectacle: A Diverse Canvas of Alexis Preller and Cinga Samson

The Norval Foundation, situated in the scenic Steenberg area adjacent to Table Mountain National Park, has been a beacon of cultural and natural appreciation in Cape Town. This summer season, the art sanctuary raises the bar with a dynamic duo of exhibitions showcasing the imaginative world of Alexis Preller and the evocative canvases of Cinga Samson.

The revered South African painter Alexis Preller, who is cherished for his unique approach to art imbued with symbolism and myth, will be celebrated in a compelling new exhibition. Titled ‘Mythical Lexicon’, this retrospective assembles a remarkable array of Preller’s pieces, gathered from private and public collections throughout South Africa, many of which have not been exhibited together in decades. This homage to Preller’s oeuvre will debut on the 30th of November 2023 and is poised to be a transcendental journey through his abstract and idiosyncratic vistas.

The narrative takes a contemporary turn with Cape Town's own Cinga Samson, whose distinct aesthetic has resonated across the globe, positioning him as a figurehead in the contemporary art arena. The exhibition ‘Ukhe nje wasondela ndakuphosa kulo mambo’ (If you come close, I will push you into the river) is a curated constellation of twenty pieces that arrestingly express Samson’s prowess. The curtain rises on this exhibition on the 13th of December, ready to immerse visitors in Samson’s world where the personal and the profound are painted with an unflinching gaze.

Moreover, the Norval Foundation harmonizes these exhibits with the sculptural innovations of Walter Oltmann, whose intricate wire works add a three-dimensional counterpoint to the painted expressions of Preller and Samson. This confluence of diverse artistic expressions is a testament to the Foundation's pursuit to provide an inclusive platform for art that dialogues with the local and global narratives.

Undeniably, the Norval Foundation is not just an exhibition space but a confluence where art converses with the environment. These new exhibitions are set to offer enthusiasts and newcomers alike an immersive exploration into the worlds created by an icon and an innovator of South African art. This is a rare chance to wade through the mythological streams of Alexis Preller and drift into the reflective depths of Cinga Samson's creations.

As the summer sun casts its radiant glow over Cape Town, this cultural haven invites you to lose yourself in the alchemy of art and nature. The Norval Foundation's latest offerings assure an experience that is both soul-stirring and thought-provoking, making it a must-visit destination for anyone who seeks to indulge in the visual and visceral splendor of art.