How this generation is rediscovering the beauty of art in nature
Are art and sculptures relics from a bygone era, or will this generation simply attract them in a different way?
Research shows that millennials and Gen Z Value have a participatory and engaging museum experience, often looking for art that promotes social interaction and personal connections. Art Curator Tyron Selmon-Butler, Art Eye Gallery, says that while traditional brick and mortar galleries are still highly sought after, younger audiences are looking for more immersive, interactive and unconventional experiences. And one of the most powerful settings of this rethinked way of getting involved in this rethinked art? Nature.
According to Selmon Butler, there is no place in South Africa that captures the move better than Brahman Hills in the midlands of KwaZulu-Natal. Located in a gentle countryside, Brahman Hills features internationally award-winning gardens. The vast 5.5 hectares of sanctuary are divided into 26 themed “garden rooms.” But these are not your average flowerbeds. They are dotted with monumental sculptures created by emerging South African artists, each telling stories about culture, mythology, environmentalism, or femininity.
Selmon Butler, who collaborated with Brahman Hills on almost every sculpture, believes it is more than a tendency to pass through the movement of outdoor sculptures. “These sculptures are more than just works of art,” he says. “They're anchors of meaning. Some are playful, some are faced with, others are inadvertently beautiful, but each invites the viewer to pause, feel and ask questions.
For Onwaba Gonyora, director of Brahman Hills, the natural spirit of Art Meat is a deliberate evolution of the brand's purpose. “In 2017, we set out with a bold vision to become South Africa's leading wedding venue, and that vision has turned into reality,” says Gonyora. “But as we grow, so does our inspiration. We have transcended events and created something timeless. A destination rooted in creativity, health and natural beauty.
Why is the art of nature so fascinating?
According to Selmon Butler:
There is something liberating about encountering art outdoors. There is no whisper of tranquility. There are no rules for the gallery. There are no four walls. Only you, nature, and for a moment, stop walking and start thinking. It's not about fame. It's about connections. It's about finding meaning in a world where filters often feel too fast, too stretched and too virtual.
Gonola summarizes: “We didn't just want to create a clean garden. We wanted to offer something that stirs our souls. For weddings, retreats, or weekend escapes. So, if you're wondering if art still has a place in 2025, the answer is waiting for us at Brahman Hills Gardens.
For industry-related news, click here.
