Durban Artists’ Group Draws Inspiration from Trappists
“Maristella: Portrait of an Unknown Woman” by Maggie Strachan is one of the works to be on display at an exhibition at Mariannhill monastery by Durban artists who have taken inspiration from the 19th century Trappist monks’ missions and outstations in southern KwaZulu-Natal.
A group of 16 artists from Durban have been experiencing their own sense of wonder at creation by trailing the 19th-century Trappist monks of KwaZulu-Natal.
The monks, under the leadership of Fr Franz Pfanner, founded Mariannhill monastery near Pinetown in 1882, and within a few years established a network of missions across the landscape of southern KwaZulu-Natal.
After Abbot Pfanner left the Trappists, they became the Congregation of Mariannhill Missionaries.
23 Trappist and Mariannhill Missions and Outstations Visited
The artists, who have visited many of the 23 missions and out-stations built by the Trappists and Mariannhill Missionaries between 1882 and 1908, have drawn inspiration from the environment, local communities, archival records, church architecture, and artifacts.
“This has led to a deep appreciation of the work and the cultural contribution made by the Trappist monks in this province, especially in the areas of education, architecture, building skills, farming, printing, photography, arts, and crafts,” said Maggie Strachan, who spearheaded the project.
The artists involved hope that their paintings, drawings and mixed-media works will highlight a little-known part of our cultural heritage, inspire a sense of awe, and encourage visitors to experience this extraordinary history for themselves while enjoying the breathtaking landscapes.
Visit the Exhibition 5-12 November
The artists are inviting the public to share their experience by visiting an exhibition of their work in St Anne’s Hall at Mariannhill monastery from November 5-12.
Can art reignite a sense of wonder? That was a question posed last month by Fr Chris Chatteris SJ in his “Praying with the Pope” column.
In his August column, Fr Chatteris wrote: “The arts give expression to the beauty of the faith and proclaim the Gospel message of the grandeur of God’s creation and that artists of our time, through their ingenuity, may help everyone discover the beauty of creation.”
This exhibition is an expression of that.
For additional information contact Margie Ramsay at or call 083 689 2357.
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