Exhibition uses trees as a metaphor for life

I Am Not a City Boy by Attie Esterhuizen

Attie Esterhuizen’s third solo exhibition, I Talk to the Trees runs at The Ladder in Bree Street, Cape Town, from Monday November 1 to Saturday November 30.

Following his two previous sold-out exhibitions, I Talk to the Trees is the artist and composer’s latest collection of artworks, exploring the journey of life in turbulent times as a walk through an empowering, never-ending forest.

Using a combination of gold leaf and mixed media on oil pastels, Esterhuizen engages with trees as a metaphor for life.

“Many people have been experiencing challenging times over the past 18 months, and the forest has always been my sanctuary,” says Esterhuizen.

“The trees stand like supporting, steady pillars of strength, listening unconditionally and patiently as we seek to ground ourselves, while their gently, ever-moving branches embrace us and remind us to be kind to ourselves, accept ourselves and weather the intense seasons.”

Born in Johannesburg 1988, Esterhuizen is an internationally acclaimed composer and visual artist, having composed most of his work abroad in Paris and New York.

Opening times at The Ladder are Monday to Friday 7am to 4pm and on Saturdays from 8am to 2pm. The venue and exhibition will be open until 9pm on Thursday November 4 as part of First Thursdays. Visit www.theladderon136.com for more information.