IS ART DEAD?
How this generation is rediscovering the beauty of art in nature
Are art and sculptures relics of a bygone era, or does this generation simply engage them in a different way?
Research suggests that millennials and Gen Z value participatory and engaging museum experiences, often seeking out art that fosters social interaction and personal connection.[1] It’s no surprise then, that art – once confined to hushed galleries and velvet ropes – is now breaking boundaries and finding new life in unexpected places. Tyron Selmon-Butler, Art Curator from Art Eye Gallery says that while traditional brick-and-mortar galleries are still very much sought after, younger audiences are also looking for experiences that are more immersive, interactive, and unconventional. And one of the most powerful settings for this reimagined way of engaging with art? Nature.
According to Selmon-Butler, there is perhaps no place in South Africa that captures this movement better than Brahman Hills in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Nestled in rolling countryside, Brahman Hills is home to an internationally award-winning garden; a sprawling 5.5-hectare sanctuary broken into 26 themed “garden rooms.” But these aren’t your average flowerbeds. They’re dotted with monumental sculptures crafted by emerging South African artists, each telling a story about culture, myth, environmentalism, or womanhood.
Selmon-Butler, who collaborated with Brahman Hills on almost all of their sculptures, sees the outdoor sculpture movement as more than a passing trend. “These sculptures are not just art pieces,” he says. “They are anchors of meaning; some are playful, some are confronting, some are hauntingly beautiful. But each one invites the viewer to pause, to feel, to ask questions. Nature already awakens our senses, and when you pair that with art, it becomes very personal and very powerful.”
For Onwaba Gonyora, Director at Brahman Hills, the art-meets-nature ethos 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. That vision turned into reality,” says Gonyora. “However, as we’ve grown, so has our inspiration. We’ve moved beyond events to creating something timeless; a destination rooted in creativity, wellness, and natural beauty. The awards we’ve received, and the fact that visitors travel from around the world just to walk in our magnificent gardens, proves that sculpture and outdoor art are not only relevant, but they’re also deeply desired in 2025.”
Why is art in nature so appealing?
According to Selmon-Butler:
• There’s something liberating about encountering art in the open air. No hushed whispers. No gallery rules. No four walls. Just you, nature, and a piece of work that, if only for a moment, makes you stop walking and start thinking.
• It’s not about prestige. It’s about connection. It's about finding meaning in a world that often feels too fast, too filtered, too virtual.
Gonyora sums it up: “We didn’t just want to create a pretty garden; we wanted to offer something soul stirring. For weddings, retreats, or just a weekend escape. Our sculptures remind us of who we are, what we value, and what’s worth preserving. That’s art. And that’s timeless.”
So, if you're wondering whether art still has a place in 2025, the answer is waiting at The Brahman Hills Gardens.
The "Hanneke" by Sandro Trapani: A 4.5-meter-tall figure pouring water into the dam, symbolizing environmental preservation.
"Medusa" by Sandro Trapani: A bronze sculpture hidden in a grotto, inviting viewers to confront themes of resilience and complexity.
"Leda and the Signet" by Joyce Carreira: A reinterpretation of myth, capturing the bond between humans and nature.
"Strike a Woman, Strike a Rock" by Ben Tuge: A tribute to the strength of African women, prominently placed near the lake.
"Stargazer" by Louis van den Heever: A two-meter-tall figure reaching for the sky, embodying childhood wonder.
"The Giant" by Louis van den Heever: A five-ton concrete and steelhead emerging from the earth, serving as a stark warning about environmental neglect.