RHINOS STORM THE TABLE BAY

A stunning travelling art exhibition that enthrals visitors while educating them about endangered species has been installed at The Table Bay. 

A colourful crash of rhinos has taken up residence at Cape Town’s premier address, The Table Bay hotel, in a vibrant art exhibition that serves the dual purpose of showcasing South African artwork and raising awareness of poaching.

The initially unadorned 50cm rhino sculptures have been painted and decorated in unique vibrant style by a selection of renowned local artists, including Moeketsi Moahloli, Andrew Ntshabele, Claude Chandler, and Sarah Danes Jarrett. Fadiel Hermans, Sara Gaqa, Cornè Theron, Androetta Bekker, and Richie Madyira are among the other creative virtuosos to have their artwork featured in the popular exhibition.

Raising the horn

The captivating pieces were previously displayed at the V&A Waterfront, where over R100 000 was raised through the sales of T-shirts emblazoned with prints of the sculptures. The money was split between Rhino Custodians, which aims to enable these magnificent creatures to thrive in their natural habitat with the use of innovative technology that enables rhino monitoring and rapid deployment of anti-poaching units and the Emerging Artists Development Trust.

Initiated by The Artists Gallery in Cape Town, the exhibition “highlights the creativity and passion of local artists while contributing to meaningful change,” according to MD Jaret Loggenberg, whose work is also featured in the exhibition.

“The Table Bay hotel has a history of supporting local wherever possible, from our food suppliers to our locally hand-crafted Christmas décor. When we heard the rhinos were looking for a new home, we jumped at the opportunity to host the exhibition in our spacious lobby,” said The Table Bay General Manager Joanne Selby. “Our guests are fascinated by the exhibition. They want to own one or more of the pieces and, importantly, the display is focusing their attention on the serious issues that this critically endangered species is facing.”

South Africa is home to the vast majority of the world's rhinos, with some 2 000 critically endangered black rhinos and approximately 13 000 near-threatened white rhinos. With poor eyesight and weighing up to 3 500kg, rhinos remain under threat despite the efforts of a multitude of conservation organisations with the poaching crisis attributed to the growing demand for rhino horn.

the exhibition “highlights the creativity and passion of local artists while contributing to meaningful change,” according to MD Jaret Loggenberg.

Sustainability 

Cutting an iconic figure on the V&A Waterfront, The Table Bay has long been a supporter of sustainable initiatives, from working closely with the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation to raise awareness and funds for the protection of marine mammals and the oceans in general to pursuing a zero-to-waste policy in its kitchens. The ultra-luxurious hotel is one of the original supporters of the World Wildlife Fund’s Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative and its educational marine walks are a favourite with guests drawn from all over the globe.

The Emerging Artists Development Trust enables young artists to shine and exhibit internationally. “Both wildlife and art are both pillars of our country and society, and it is wonderful that this initiative uplifts both,” said trustee Dr Julie Etellin.

A delighted Rhino Custodians spokesperson Dr SP le Roux said the donation would be used to expand the footprint of rhino monitoring technology and enable anti-poaching units to mobilise faster.

The Artful Rhinos will be displayed at The Table Bay hotel until the end of November. Visit the vibrant sculptures in the hotel’s lobby, read about the project and vote for your favourite Artful Rhino at artful-rhinos.com, and donate towards these causes.

"When we heard the rhinos were looking for a new home, we jumped at the opportunity to host the exhibition in our spacious lobby,” said The Table Bay General Manager Joanne Selby