CURATORIAL STATEMENT

Weaving along the banks of the Eerste River, the Stellenbosch Art Mile aims to stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of deep time. This concept considers the epochs that have come before, measured in millions and even billions of years, and how this gradual passing of time stands in stark contrast to the modern human experience, where moving slowly is often regarded as a negative pace. Here, amidst the tranquil beauty of nature, the river stones, trees, and the river itself bear witness to the profound passage of millennia. These natural elements, weathered and worn by the ceaseless flow of water and environmental events, hold within their rugged contours the ancient narratives of geological and human history.

In contemplating deep time, we are confronted with the vast expanse of geological epochs that have shaped this landscape and the town of Stellenbosch. The formation of the river, carved by the erosive forces of water over countless millennia, serves as a poignant reminder of the inexorable march of time. Each ripple and fissure etched into the surface of the river stones, for example, tells a story of geological upheaval, of continents shifting and mountains rising, all unfolding at a pace imperceptible to human perception.

As creatives engage with the theme of deep time along the Stellenbosch Art Mile, they are asked to consider the contemplation of such vast temporal scales. Some may draw inspiration from the different temporal scales of time found in the disappearance and resurgence of flora along specific sites along the river, using them as a canvas to explore certain experiences of the river and its surroundings. Others may seek to capture the essence of geological time through immersive installations that evoke the primordial forces that have shaped our world.

As visitors wander along the Art Mile and engage with the various artworks and creative installations, we invite them to pause and reflect upon their place within the vast tapestry of deep time. Here, amidst the ancient river stones, various tree species, and the flowing waters of the Eerste River, we are reminded of our own transience in the face of geological time scales. In the shade of ancient trees and amidst the sometimes whispering currents of the river, the creative pursuits of the chosen artists will explore the importance of embracing slowness and stillness in a world that seems to favour a rapid pace.