One&Only Cape Town is situated in the heart of the buzzing V&A Waterfront and is perfectly placed for the visitor wanting to explore ‘the pretty city’ and its surrounds.
And for those who are interested in art, design and creative culture, the newly launched One&Only Cape Town art tours are the ideal way to get up close and personal with the members of the Cape Town art world and their work.
South Africa has spawned world famous artists such as Irma Stern, William Kentridge, Sam Nhlengethwa and famed commercial (and controversial) artist of the Fifties Vladimir Tretchikoff, who moved to the city as a young man.
These and other important artists’ works can be viewed at the Iziko South African National Gallery, situated in the heart of the city. While this gallery provides excellent insight into South Africa’s unique art, One&Only Cape Town’s art tours aim to take guests a little deeper into the heart of the city’s art world.
THE GALLERIES TOUR
Accompanied by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable art expert, guests will depart from the hotel in the morning, spending the day visiting a selection of handpicked galleries featuring works by local artists. Galleries include Everard Read’s V&A Waterfront space, the always inspiring Michael Stevenson Contemporary in Woodstock and the nearby Goodman Gallery (the Cape Town ‘headquarters’ of the hotel’s own art gallery) as well as What if the World Gallery, the brainchild of maverick contemporary art specialists Justin Rhodes and Cameron Munro.
A visit to Worldart, where cutting edge artworks by local contemporary artists are curated, is also included. Guests will have an opportunity to meet with the curators of each space, to view current exhibitions and engage with their guide regarding art investments and collector’s pieces in each of these esteemed galleries.
This tour will also include the Irma Stern Museum, housed in the famous artist’s former home, a visit to specialist SA Masters gallery Johans Borman Fine Art and a stop in at Kalk Bay Modern, a gallery that is home to a diverse collection of artworks, ceramics and contemporary art prints.
The tour will conclude at the Casa Labia, an Italianite residence boasting its own outstanding gallery curated by contemporary specialist João Ferreira.
THE CONTEMPORARY ART TOUR
For many enthusiasts meeting the actual artists is what makes art come alive for them and thankfully there is no shortage of talent to choose from in the city. This specialised tour offers visitors essential insight into the contemporary art ‘scene’ in Cape Town.
The tour begins in the once run-down suburb of Woodstock at the newly opened The Foundry where metalworker and sculptor Otto du Plessis of Bronze Age holds court.
A host of interesting shops and studios, including a hanging plant installation artist, jeweller and home décor stop complete the picture at this hip hub of creativity.
The nearby studio of painter Alex Hamilton is a fascinating one and guests will also be taken to the Old Biscuit Mill to meet ceramicist Andile Dyulvane at his Imiso studio as well as to the Pot Luck Club & Gallery where emerging contemporary artists’ works are on show. From here, guests depart for the Southern Suburbs, heading for the artists’ haven of Kalk Bay where porcelain ceramicist Katherine Glenday, acclaimed painter Marlise Keith and jeweller Nic Bladen are just three of the impressive community of successful artists and creatives who live here.
The quaint village is also home to a number of galleries and vintage bric ‘n brac stores that are well worth a browse.
With the city’s status as the World Design Capital 2014, all eyes are on the many creatives who call Cape Town home. Already, the quality of the work emanating from the southernmost city in Africa is astounding and with the added focus since being nominated as the World Design Capital this looks set to become even more marked.
One&Only Cape Town celebrates the wealth of talent resident in the city and looks forward to letting their guests experience Cape Town’s vibrant creative and art culture first hand.
The cost for the respective tours inclusive of Art guide and transportation will be as follows:
Half Day – R3,250.00* (R1,750.00 transport / R1,500.00 art guide)
Full Day – R4,600.00* (R2,100.00 transport / R 2,500.00 art guide)
* Prices subject to change
Available exclusively to One&Only Cape Town guests. For more information about One&Only Cape Town’s Art Tours contact the resort’s concierge desk on 021 431 5888.