Our charming town is known not only for its natural beauty, but also for its thriving art scene. Nestled between the lush indigenous forests and sparkling lagoons of the Garden Route, Knysna has long-since attracted creative souls ready to share their talents with the community, creating vibrant artworks (often displayed in public spaces) in various mediums.
If it’s true that art reflects life, or vice-versa, we could think of no better way of getting to know Knysna than by taking in some of its art sites. This was the Knysna Arts Society’s vision when they established Knysna’s Art Route in collaboration with Knysna Municipality and Visit Knysna, collating numerous sites in the wider area where art is displayed onto one map for visitors to explore and enjoy on their own time.
Here are our top 5 picks on the Knysna Art Route, just waiting to be discovered by our treasured guests!
1. Kringe in ’n Bos Mural
Inspired by the iconic South African novel, Kringe in ’n Bos (Circles in a Forest) by Dalene Matthee, this mural comprises of 81 circular paintings (done by 60 different artists) that depict various unique aspects of life in Knysna.
From close-ups of endemic plants to portraits of the forest elephants of old, each depiction speaks to the natural beauty of Knysna; an aspect that was so prevalent Matthee’s literary works.
You’ll find this mural on a 25m-long wall behind the old Town Hall in Knysna’s CBD.
Image Credit: Facebook | Knysna Arts Society
2. Sedgefield’s Mosaic Route
Driving around Sedgefield, you’ll soon notice the many large mosaic sculptures dotted around town – 65 and counting! These form part of Masithandane’s Mosaic Art Project, a non-profit that supports and cares for numerous disadvantaged families in and around the Sedgefield area.
Perhaps the most “famous” or pictured of these sculptures is Love Bug (see below), a life-size VW beetle covered in mosaiced fynbos imagery.
Two more of our personal favourites include Slow Papa Tortoise and Marinara, but you’ll have to explore the route to find your own.
Alternatively, Sedgefield’s Mosaic Route can also be enjoyed as part of a tour.
Click here to find a map of the route, tour options and more information on the various sculptures.
Image Credit: Instagram | hahaitsabbyinperth
3. Rasta on the Mount
Did you know that Knysna is home to the largest Rastafarian community in South Africa?
It should come as no surprise, then, that local ceramic sculptor Eugene Lewis decided to make Haile Selassie the subject of what has since become his most famous work, Rasta on the Mount, that stands proudly in the centre of Judah Square.
The sculpture is over 2m tall and was crafted under the guidance of Lewis’ mentor, renowned sculptor Suzanne du Toit.
We hope you’ll add visiting this remarkable sculpture to your Knysna activities list. Not only will you be able to appreciate Eugene Lewis’ craftsmanship and vision, but you’ll also become part of a broader movement to celebrate and promote local artistry.
Image Credit: Instagram | knysnaarts
4. Bondi Sculpture
What’s a coastal town without a little naval history?
You’ll find the sculpture of Bondi the bulldog by Karel du Toit alongside the pedestrian bridge of The Waterfront (21 Waterfront Drive).
Bondi was the ship mascot of the minesweeper, HMS Verbena, gifted to the crew in 1928 by the people of Lourenco Marques (Mozambique).
As you can imagine, he was beloved by those who served on the ship – incorporated in all sorts of fun and adventure at sea and on land.
When the ship visited Knysna, in 1931, Bondi sadly succumbed to the heat and was buried on the edge of the jetty, where he has lived on in Knysna’s collective memory.
Image Credit: www.knysnamuseums.co.za
5. Buffelsbaai Bridge & Boardwalk
Buffelsbaai, sometimes called Buffalo Bay of Buff’s, is a surfing hotspot that exudes the laidback nature of Garden Route life – beautiful days of perfect waves and eternal sunshine.
So, when it came to workshopping ways in which their local artists could join the #knysnaartproject movement, it only made sense that the “kiff” culture of this surfer’s hollow came to the fore.
Driving into town, visitors will be delighted by the bridge, where various ocean-themed murals meld together to form a colourful archway and entry point to town.
Alongside the main swimming and surfing beach you will discover the (Surf) Board Walk, where beautifully-painted surfboards have been permanently installed on to the backs of public benches, each depicting a unique facet or feeling that the ocean evokes.
Those involved in the project were reportedly, “totally stoked.”
Image Credits: Instagram | visitknysna (Bridge) | chef_corinavn (Board Walk)
Exploring Through Art
Knysna’s Art Route is a vibrant celebration of our town’s unique culture and natural beauty. From captivating murals to inspiring mosaics, each piece of art tells a story that reflects the spirit of our community.
We hope that exploring these sites not only enriches your understanding of Knysna, but also connects you with the artists who breathe life into our surroundings. So, grab a map, immerse yourself in the creativity, and discover the enchanting tales of Knysna’s Art Route.
For a full map of Knysna’s Art Route, click here.
Stay With Us
Here at The Turbine Hotel & Spa, we also celebrate Knysna’s art by displaying unique pieces in our hotel’s common spaces and suites. (Many of these are on loan from the Knysna Fine Arts Gallery and can be purchased.)
Browse our various luxurious accommodation options online and book your next Knysna vacation to Thesen Island.
You can choose between booking online or emailing our friendly reservations team directly at book@turbinehotel.co.za.
We look forward to sharing Knysna’s creative spirit with you!
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