In 2020, the picturesque town of Stellenbosch became the scene of a unique South African art response to the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing together community, art, and education in an inspiring initiative. Aptly named ""Masked Masterpieces,"" this exhibition featured superimposed masks on famous South African artworks, displayed outdoors in supersized formats. These striking installations served as a powerful visual reflection of the challenges posed by the times.

Displayed at prominent sites around town, including the gabled wall of the Distell building on the R44, the wall next to the GUS gallery in Dorp Street, the Dorp alley in Bird Street, the Stellenbosch taxi rank in Bird Street, and the gabled wall on the corner of Drostdy and Plein Streets, these artworks were accessible to all. Each piece was accompanied by plaques that told the artists' stories, provided information about the original artworks, and offered ways to donate to support bursary students via SnapScan or bank transfer.

Funded entirely by the private sector, with contributions from the Beck Family Philanthropy, the Fuchs Foundation, Investec, the Norval Foundation, the Rupert Art Foundation, and Strauss & Co, Masked Masterpieces was more than an exhibition. It was a lifeline for students at Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, particularly those in the ‘missing middle’ category who were financially impacted by the pandemic. This initiative was administered by the university’s Development and Alumni Relations Division (DAR) and aimed to ensure that no student was left behind.

As explained by Pieter Swart, Director: Major Gifts and Transformational Giving at DAR, this project aligned with the university’s commitment to supporting students through the pandemic and maintaining institutional sustainability. By marrying art with philanthropy, Masked Masterpieces not only provided much-needed financial assistance but also celebrated South African artistic heritage and educated the public about the nation’s cultural wealth.

Masked Masterpieces: Art in the Time of COVID-19

The 2020 Stellenbosch Triennale’s Masked Masterpieces exhibition embodied the intersection of art, community, and resilience. In the face of a global pandemic, this exhibition transformed iconic South African artworks by overlaying them with masks, symbolizing the collective experience of these unprecedented times.

The theme reflected a dual purpose: to highlight the cultural and historical significance of South African art and to address the pressing need for educational support during the COVID-19 crisis. By bringing art into public spaces, Masked Masterpieces made a bold statement about the enduring power of creativity and its role in social commentary and change.

Through this exhibition, visitors engaged with the art on a deeper level, understanding the personal and societal narratives behind each piece. Simultaneously, it fostered a spirit of giving, encouraging donations that supported bursary students at Stellenbosch University who were struggling due to the economic impact of the pandemic. Masked Masterpieces celebrated the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of art.