NIEU-BETHESDA NEWS - The extraordinary story of Helen Martins’ Owl House has captured the imagination of audiences in Italy, where acclaimed artist Sabrina Marianelli’s exhibition, The Owl House & African Histories, has drawn visitors from across Europe and beyond.
The exhibition opened at the Teatro Gherardi del Testa in Terricciola, Pisa, on Saturday 4 July and was attended by Terricciola’s mayor, Matteo Arcenni, as well as Andrea Lupi of La Compagnia del Bosco.
Marianelli told Graaff-Reinet Advertiser that the opening was well attended and that many visitors continued to view the exhibition in the days that followed.
“Visitors arrived from France, the Netherlands, England, Australia and Ireland, as well as from the towns and villages of the Valdera region and beyond,” she said.
The extensive exhibition features about 100 artworks inspired by the Owl House in Nieu-Bethesda and the wider history and cultural heritage of Southern Africa.
“The Owl House, Helen Martins’ house and museum in Nieu-Bethesda, is one of the finest examples of outsider art in Southern Africa,” Marianelli said.
“Martins spent nearly 30 years transforming her home and garden into a visionary and dazzling world of glass and concrete sculptures.
This was made possible through her collaboration with Koos Malgas, the sculptor of the Owl House. It was her mind and his hands.
Their story is now known in Italy too. It was absolutely gratifying to see the emotion, happiness, joy, wonder and curiosity on people’s faces as they discovered the intriguing story of the Owl House in Nieu-Bethesda.”
An official video of The Owl House, supplied by South African filmmaker Mark Wilby, has added a further dimension to the exhibition.
“The video has enriched the exhibition and has been an indispensable tool in helping visitors understand and immerse themselves in the world of Helen Martins and the artworks dedicated to her that are on display at the theatre,” Marianelli said.
She also expressed gratitude for the recognition given to the project by South Africa’s Ambassador to Italy, Nosipho Nausca Jean Jezile.
“I am deeply grateful for the high recognition accorded to this project, which is dedicated to the Owl House and Southern Africa.
It acknowledges years of intense work devoted to a country - South Africa in particular - that has become very close to my heart.”
The exhibition is fully funded by the Regional Council of Tuscany and the Municipality of Terricciola, for which Marianelli expressed her appreciation.
“When one vision meets another vision, it opens a door to the future,” she said.
Marianelli added that she had “left her heart in South Africa” and that the exhibition was proof of her deep connection with the country.
Due to the positive response, The Owl House & African Histories has been extended and will remain open until 6 September.
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