Revered for its rich cultural heritage and celebration of artistic voices, Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town welcomes a new curation by RESERVOIR to its iconic walls. As it continues to shine a spotlight on local arts, “Against the Bias: Unravelling Material Codes” will decorate the halls of this palm-fringed sanctuary with pieces by 13 of Africa’s esteemed contemporary artists, on display until February 2025.
As part of Mount Nelson’s commitment to fostering creative spaces, this exhibition enhances the discourse around slow fashion and sustainable luxury, while celebrating the beauty of artistic handcraft. Following CONFECTIONS X COLLECTIONS, hosted in November—an annual event dedicated to slow African fashion through intimate salon-style shows, curated by Twyg— “Against the Bias” with RESERVOIR adds a new layer of intrigue, taking guests on a tangible journey through diverse and dynamic narratives of contemporary creativity.
The collection pays homage to an artistic conversation on the duality of textile and dress; exploring how fashion transcends the functional to become a vessel of identity, memory, and social critique. The term “bias,” drawn from garment-making, refers to cutting fabric diagonally to create flexibility and fluidity. RESERVOIR founders Heinrich Groenewald and Shona van der Merwe have delved into this double meaning, presenting artists who challenge conventional structures, going against the bias.
“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.”
Masters of visual storytelling, RESERVOIR has established itself as the perfect collaborator. Their curatorial talent has led them to international art fairs and most recently, to their second exhibit at The Nellie, where they have worked closely with WHATIFTHEWORLD. Woven throughout Mount Nelson’s public spaces, from Planet Bar to the legendary lounge where Afternoon Tea is served daily, this tactile collection brings together photography, sculpture, woodwork, tapestry, and paintings from leading African artists—namely, 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, Sthenjwa Luthuli.
Each artist approaches materiality and identity through a deeply personal lens. The intricate layers of fabric in Ogunbanwo’s Nigerian bridal portraits speak of class complexities and customs; Kambudu’s use of mirror and glass set against Shweshwe print is a meditation on ancestry and what lies beyond; Davids’ work uses generations of her family’s dressmaker laces, pins, beads and other adornments to explore a sense of belonging in the Cape Muslim community.
“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.”
“This has been a momentous year for all of us at Mount Nelson as we celebrate 125 years of our iconic property,” says Tiago Moraes Sarmento, Managing Director of Belmond Southern Africa. “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.”
Visit Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town, to experience “Against the Bias: Unravelling Material Codes.” On display until February 2025.
For more information, please contact:
Gabrielle Palmer, Regional Communications Manager, Belmond Southern Africa –
gabrielle.palmer@belmond.com
ABOUT MOUNT NELSON, A BELMOND HOTEL, CAPE TOWN
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town first opened its doors in 1899 and has been affectionately known by locals as ‘The Nellie’ ever since. Nestled in the heart of Cape Town, between Table Mountain and the Company’s Gardens, the property is framed by craggy coastlines, expansive beaches and verdant winelands, and is just a stone’s throw away from the urban cool of Kloof Street. Steeped in history, with illustrious guests such as Marlene Dietrich and Dalai Lama, its iconic facade was first painted pink in 1918 as a symbol of peace and joy at the end of World War I. The hotel is located within nine-acres of lush gardens – a green sanctuary in the heart of the vibrant city – and has two tennis courts, two heated swimming pools and a spa in a heritage building. Its gastronomical offering spans from the world-famous Afternoon Tea by Vicky Gurovich – where guests are offered over 60 varieties of loose-leaf teas and infusions – to Liam Tomlin’s ode to Pan-Asian cuisine at The Red Room by Chefs Warehouse. The Verandah promises a hyper-seasonal dining experience with Exec Chef Luke Barry’s three-course à la carte menu. A peaceful and luxurious oasis in the city, Mount Nelson celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2024.
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About Belmond
Belmond was born from a passion for connecting discerning travellers with the world’s most remarkable properties, locations and journeys.
From hotels and trains to river cruises and safaris, Belmond curates incomparable experiences and crafts unforgettable stories. With a legacy spanning over 45 years, since the acquisition of Hotel Cipriani in Venice in 1976, Belmond has grown into a global collection of 47 properties spread across 28 countries and territories. Exceptional destinations connected by legendary journeys are the very soul of Belmond, where the path that brings you to a place is as important as the destination itself. As a pioneer of slow travel, Belmond has been operating the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express since 1982. The group later expanded to include pristine beach resorts, such as Maroma on the Riviera Maya, historic hideaways such as Villa San Michele in the Florentine foothills, urbane icons, such as Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, and gateways to UNESCO world heritage sites, such as Hotel das Cataratas in Brazil’s Iguassu National Park. As proud custodians of storied properties, Belmond is committed to building on the past to create a new legacy: the heritage of the future. Working with communities and local talents, together with the world’s most respected chefs, designers and artists, Belmond continues its purpose of perpetuating the legendary art of travel. Since 2019, Belmond has been part of the world’s leading luxury group, LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton).
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About RESERVOIR
RESERVOIR Projects was founded in 2021 by Heinrich Groenewald and Shona van der Merwe, as an independent partnership specialising in collaborative curation. The duo have made a name for themselves locally and abroad, and in 2023 opened a space for ambitious solo exhibitions by independent artists on Bree Street in Cape Town. Their ability to bring together rising and prominent artists into engaging, transformative exhibitions has won them awards and taken them to the world’s most esteemed art fairs. This is their second exhibition at the Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel, following on from Mother City – curated from the Norval Foundation Collection.
INSTAGRAM: @_reservoir_
About WHATIFTHEWORLD
Founded in 2012, WHATIFTHEWORLD is a Cape Town-based contemporary art gallery. Part question, part purpose and part statement, their name anticipates the gallery’s program: a host of ambitious projects that promote curiosity and thought. With a strong focus on Africa and the African diaspora, the gallery represents influential artists who engage with global and local contemporary art and socio-political contexts. WHATIFTHEWORLD regularly participate in major exhibitions and biennials and have showed at prestigious venues, including Center Georges Pompidou, Paris; The Smithsonian Museum, Washington DC; MOMA, New York and Tate Modern, London
INSTAGRAM: @whatiftheworld_gallery
