In partnership with the Hessequa Art Route and Hessequa Libraries, the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR) has initiated and hosted a teen art competitions in 2023 and 2024 called “Inheems”, which is the Afrikaans word for indigenous. The purpose of the competition to give artistic youth living or going to school in the Hessequa region a platform to showcase their artistic creativity while celebrating our natural and cultural heritage and fostering awareness and a deepened affinity towards our regions rich biodiversity.
An incredibly talented young artist residing in Stilbaai, Bailey Lotterie (18), has been the overall winner two years in a row with her portraits, both entitled Princess.
“Last year my entry was a cute, little princess with a crown of fynbos, filled with joy and hope. So this year I drew the same girl, only older. Instead of innocent happiness, she now has a touch of sadness, a little confusion, like the world has let her down. She has gained strength and hope, and somewhere inside her the little princess still lives.”
Bailey Lotterie
Inheems 2023 Teen Art Competition Winner:
Bailey Lotterie (17) – Princess
Inheems 2024 Teen Art Competition Winner:
Bailey Lotterie (18) – Princess
This portrait is far more than a beautiful artwork, it is very much part of the conservation conversation and captures the essence of the GCBRs “Inheems” initiative.
All the species in the princesses crown are indigenous to the region.
9/25 (36%) of species have status according to the SANBI Redlist.
5/25 (20%) of species are under severe threat due to habitat loss.
Image from: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-species-classified-iucn-red-list-anish-banerjee
In addition to the prize money Bailey won for her outstanding Inheems 2024 submission, Bailey’s artwork was also selected to become part of GCBRs apparel in support of nature range. Watch this space as it will be available for online order soon: https://shop.gouritz.com/
