From weaving to candle-making, the show celebrates the intimacy of materials and offers hands-on workshops that allow visitors to experience the process firsthand.
Installation view of ‘When Surfaces Speak’ at La Motte Ateljee. Courtesy of La Motte.
La Motte’s Ateljee opened ‘When Surfaces Speak’ on July 12 2025, presenting an exhibition that invites audiences to rediscover the richness of texture in art and in life. On view until October 5 2025, the exhibition explores how materials carry stories of time, place, and transformation, revealing that texture is never just a surface but an active agent of memory, knowledge, and resilience.
In a world increasingly shaped by the digital and abstract, ‘When Surfaces Speak’ turns attention back to the tangible. Works in felt, fibre, clay, paper, plant and paint highlight processes of weaving, stitching, imprinting and layering. Each piece embodies a quiet persistence: the rhythm of a needle, the looping gesture of crochet, the coiling of rope or the layering of clay.
The exhibition resonates with the rhythms of La Motte itself — the soils and vegetation of the farm, the textures of bread crusts and the char of the kitchen grill, the layering and blending that shape the mouthfeel of wine. In doing so, ‘When Surfaces Speak’ reminds visitors that perception is always relational, and that surfaces themselves carry stories.
Curated by Nina Kruger, the exhibition offers both a visual and tactile experience. Visitors are invited to pause, to look closely, and to feel — literally and metaphorically — the intimacy of materials shaped by human hands.
Workshops: still to come
Alongside the exhibition, La Motte has curated a line-up of texture-inspired workshops. Some highlights still to come:
- String Theory with Danielle Clough (6 & 7 September – Sold Out)
An immersive embroidery workshop with the celebrated artist, exploring colour theory, material experimentation and thread as paint. - Textures of Spring with Hayley Lombard (19 & 20 September)
Half-day and full-day painting workshops inspired by South Africa’s raw beauty and Canada’s wild landscapes, complete with curated art kits, seasonal meals and a thoughtfully assembled goodie bag. - Candle Craftsmanship with Okra Candle (October 4)
A full-day workshop introducing the artistry of mould making and wax pouring, offering participants the chance to create their own bespoke candles. - Candles as Sculptures with Okra Candle (October 5)
A hands-on exploration of sculptural candle making, with expert guidance in colour, scent, pouring and sculpting techniques.
Visitors can also participate in the Paint Your Own Canvas experience, available from Wednesday to Sunday in the Ateljee Workspace, pairing creative expression with a glass of La Motte wine.
The exhibition will be on view until October 5, 2025. For more information, please visit La Motte Ateljee.
