May 2013 diary

May is upon us, and it seems we’ve skipped straight to winter. Gone are the days of the picnics, instead we’re settling into the fires, food and wine. Nonetheless, there is still so much happening – winter is certainly not going to be boring this year.

Ongoing

Neighbourhood Goods Market
The Old Biscuit Mill, 373 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

Every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9am to 2pm, this is the hotspot for locavores. Expect over 100 specialty traders including local farmers, fine-food purveyors, organic merchants, bakers and distributors, grocers, mongers, butchers, artisan producers, celebrated local chefs and micro enterprises – not to forget the designers. Get there early for parking!

V&A Market on The Wharf
Nobel Square, between the Two Oceans Aquarium and the V&A Hotel, Cape Town

The V&A Market on the Wharf is quickly entrenching its position as Cape Town’s ultimate gastronomic destination. An array of artisanal foods, on-site demo kitchens and a kids entertainment area are just a few of its laurels. The market is open all day Wednesday to Sunday. 

Neighbourhood Goods Market
73 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

Every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9am to 3pm, this is the younger cousin of the Cape Town mother event. Not quite as big and epic, but steadily growing alongside the exciting Maboneng Precinct.

I Heart Market
Moses Mabhida Stadium, Isaiah Ntshangase Road, Durban, thejoyteam@gmail.com

On the first Saturday of every month from 9am to 2pm, Durban’s design and food artisans share their wares at this funky market.

Venus at Home
Johannesburg Art Gallery, King George Street, Johannesburg, 011 725 3180

Venus at Home is a solo exhibition in which Usha Seejarim aims to explore the places she finds herself in, and the various roles she undertakes. The exhibition opens at 4pm on Sunday and is open until 12 May 2013. 

The Cape Town Triennials
La Motte Museum, R45 Franschoek, 021 876 8000

La Motte is very excited to announce the new contemporary exhibition in the La Motte Museum to be a selection of the very well-known and often-debated Cape Town Triennials, the most ambitious exhibition of contemporary South African art for its time, from 1982 to 1992. The exhibition will be on display indefinitely. 

Genesis
Barnard Gallery, 55 Main Street, Newlands, 021 671 1666

Until 16 May, an exhibition of oil paintings by Ryan Hewett will be on display at the Barnard Gallery. Renowned for his brooding, evocative portraits, in this show the artist continues his exploration both of portraiture and his passion for oil as a painterly medium.

Hand-thrown by Heart
Art in the Forest, Rhodes Drive, Constantia Nek, Cape Town, 021 794 0291

This exhibition will showcase the hand-thrown ceramics of Western Cape potters. It will run at the beautiful Arts in the Forest in Constantia until June. 

Vertex of Reality
34FineArt, second floor, The Hills Building, 160 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock, Cape Town, 021 461 1863

Until 4 May, 34FineArt is proud to announce a solo exhibition of new works by Paul du Toit. Currently being treated for life-threatening cancer in Mexico, Vertex of Reality is a philosophical reflection on an uncertain future; a contemplation from the apex of real-life.

Mine
David Krut Projects, 142 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood, Johanesburg, 021 447 0627

Mary Wafer’s series of paintings derive from a reflection on the events at Marikana of 16 August 2012. The paintings are partially abstracted landscapes derived from media images and Mary’s own visits to the site where the massacre happened. The exhibition will run until 18 May.

Transformative
A Word of Art, 66 Alert Road, Cape Town, elmarie@a-word-of-art.co.za

For this collaborative exhibition, Paul Senyol and Wesley van Eeden explore the notions of reality and society in a constant stage of change. The exhibition will run until 30 May.

Paries Pictus
Stevenson Gallery, 160 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock, 021 462 1500

One of South Africa’s most internationally renowned artists, Robin Rhode presents his first solo show in the country in over 13 years. His signature street art illusions will be on display, as well as a conceptual social outreach work that turned the gallery into a giant colouring-in book. The exhibition runs until 1 June.

Blown
Blank Projects, 113 to 115 Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock, 0721989221

Through a varied series of works and actions created and documented over several years, Belinda Blignaut has been processing issues around social constraint and transformation. With the body at the centre, the exhibition is an emotional response to a political world. Until 11 May. 

Informal studio: Marlboro South
Gifa, 77 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

During a seven-week period, 51 architecture students worked with “community planners” living in the informally settled former industrial buildings and on the open plots of Marlboro South, a historic industrial buffer strip between Alexandra Township and the City of Johannesburg at large. The exhibition documents a university course on in-situ upgrading developed by 26’10 South Architects in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut at the University of Johannesburg in 2012.  The full exhibition will be up at the Goethe-Institut until 9 May 2013. 

Retinal Shift
Standard Bank Gallery, corner of Simmonds and Frederick streets, Johannesburg, 011 631 4467

Until 15 June, this exhibition will showcase works by Mikhael Subotzky, the Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner for the Visual Arts in 2012. Retinal Shift investigates the practice and mechanics of looking  in relation to the history of Grahamstown, the history of photographic devices and Mikhael’s own history as an artist. 

Tyaphaka
Stevenson Johannesburg,  62 Juta Street, Braamfontein, 011 326 0034

The exhibition will feature a whale-like sculpture made from rubber inner tubing and ribbon, titled Tyaphaka, and new works on canvas. Tyaphaka, a Xhosa term referring to a ball with water or an eye, was first shown at the 2012 Sydney Biennale. Until 6 June.

Song for Sekoto 1913 to 2013
WITS Arts Museum, corner of Jan Smuts and Jorrissen streets, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 011 717 1365

Until 2 June WITS Art Museum will show a retrospective of the work by Gerard Sekoto, who is widely to be the “Father of South African Art”. 

Et al
NIROX Projects, Arts on Main, 249 Fox Street, 072 350 4326

Until 08 May see a group exhibition of talented young to more established and well-known South African artists. The exhibition will play host to varying mediums from painting, litho cuts, photography and sculpture to installation based work. All of these combine to form an interesting juxtaposition of artistic styles and genres. 

A Glimpse: Dress and Fashion in Africa
Mogalakwena Craft Art Gallery,3 Church Street, between Adderly Street and St George’s Mall, Cape Town

Until 19 December 2013, this exhibition showcases African dress and fashion influenced by history, and art inspired by dress and fashion. It provides an overview of the variety, fusion and combination of styles as well as clothing traditions of the continent. A series of hand-embroidered self-portraits by Mogalakwena craft artists in their favourite “diaparo” are on display, as well as a collection of Vlisco fabrics – read more about Vlisco fabrics here.

Thursday 2 May 2013

The Rise of Online Retail
Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge, 14 Palm Boulevard, Umhlanga Ridge, Umhlanga Rocks, Durban

From bricks to clicks, there is no question that online shopping is disrupting retail. Catch up on the latest trends, predictions and strategies with renowned social observer Dion Chang. Tickets are R300 – book now.

Friday 3 May 2013

Riebeek Valley Olive Festival
eight different venues between Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West, 022 461 2320

The Riebeek Valley Olive Festival was voted one of the best food festivals in the Western Cape, because of the divine olives, wine, cheese, pickles, jams, bread and an eclectic mix of local character. Until Sunday 5 May.

Saturday 4 May 2013

Sandro Maag Residency
Plascon Spaces Showroom, Design Quarter, Fourways, Johannesburg, 011 476 8693

Architect and furniture designer Sandro Maag is showing an exhibition of furniture from his label Cero Creative until 31 May. To get up close and personal, join him for a complimentary coffee every Saturday until 31 May. 

Winter Sculpture Fair
NIROX Sculpture Park, Kromdraai Road, Cradle of Humankind

Some 18 SA artists have installed their work in the NIROX Sculpture Park and Mastercard are importing the best of Franschhoek’s food and wine… It’s the Winter Sculpture Fair from 4 to 5 May 2013 at the Cradle of Humankind. Read more here.

Tuesday 7 May  2013

Collaboration
Fat Tuesday Gallery, 5 Bellevue Road, Bellevue Campus, Kloof, KwaZulu-Natal

Until 25 May, husband-and-wife Catherine and Lawrance Brennon will showcase their work together at a special ceramics and photography exhibition. Lawrence’s photos are taken with a handmade pinhole camera that harks back to the early days of photography.

Wednesday 8 May 2013

The Rise of Online Retail
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Cape Town, New Church & Victoria Street, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town

From bricks to clicks, there is no question that online shopping is disrupting retail. Catch up on the latest trends, predictions and strategies with renowned social observer Dion Chang. Tickets are R300 – book now.

We have one double ticket worth R600 to give away. To enter, share this article with “@VISImag @FluxTrends” on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ or Linkedin and tell us that you have in the comments below. The deadline for entry is midnight on Monday 6 May 2013.

And the winner is… Chris van Niekerk – congratulations and see you there!

Thursday 9 May 2013

The Cork Collection
Bronze Age Gallery, The Woodstock Foundry, 160 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

Opening at 6pm, this exhibition brought to you by Amorim Cork and Wiid Design features designers Laurie Wiid van Heerden, David Bellamy and Megan Taljaard from South Africa, as well as Materia and Alma Gemea from Portugal. Until 20 May.

Saturday 11 May 2013

Sentimental Value
Liz Loubser Gallery, 11 Cecilia Avenue, Risidale, Johannesburg, 011 782 4051

Running until 31 May, this exhibition brings together the work of contemporary jeweller Geraldine Fenn and kitsch-cool artist Gina Waldman. Informing both their work is their obsession with collections and the process of collecting, which serves to connect objects with fragments of memory in a very personal way.

Vintage, with love
The Forum, The Campus Office Park, Main Road, Bryanston, Johannesburg, info@vintagewithlove.co.za

No need to break the bank at this fabulous vintage fashion sale, the proceeds of which are going to two literacy charities, The Shine Centre and The Click Foundation. Shoppers will need to buy a R50.00 entrance ticket and can shop until their hearts content while enjoying bubbly, coffee and cake. There will be stylists to help you put together gorgeous outfits as well as make up artists sharing some useful tips. If you have gently worn clothing, handbags, sunglasses and accessories to donate to this good cause – style and literacy – email info@vintagewithlove.co.za

Sunday 12 May 2013

The Table of Peace and Unity
Table Mountain, 021 702 2280 or kristi@fieramilano.co.za

The Table of Peace and Unity takes place on Table Mountain on 12 May 2013 at 12h00. The charity luncheon is an opportunity for citizens, celebrities and captains of industry to break bread and have fun in the pursuit of peace and goodwill. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit children’s charities, in particular those addressing sexual abuse.

Mothers Day at Durbanville Hills
Durbanville Hills Wine Estate, Durbanville, Western Cape, 021 558 1337 

With the spectacular Table Mountain and Table Bay as back-drop, raise a toast to mom with a complimentary glass of Durbanville Hills Merlot Rosé and chocolates. A buffet with herb roasted leg of lamb, roasted garlic-and-thyme chicken, flash-fried seasonal vegetables and rustic potato wedges will be served along with a selection of sweet treats. Lunch will be from 12pm to 3pm.

A Retrospective of Exhibitions I Never Had
NIROX Projects, Arts on Main, Maboneng Precinct, Johannesburg, 072 350 4326

Opening at noon and running until 5 June, this solo exhibition is dedicated to new and older works by Gordon Froud, who is known for his sculptures of viruses and sometimes called “the coat hanger guy” for his prodiguous use of coat hangers in his work.

Thursday 16 May 2013

MALICE Aforethought
SMAC Gallery, corner of Buitengracht and Buitensingel streets, Cape Town, 021 422 5100

This exhibition of subtly dramatic, timeless and moody paintings by Kate Gottens shows until 6 July. Her imagery oscillates between a dream world and reality where places and figures emerge from and seep back into the canvases. The opening is at 6pm.

The Exchange
Shop L185, lower level, Cavendish Square, Cape Town

Swap your organs for style at South Africa’s first cashless fashion boutique. Stocked with clothing and accessories from more than 25 of South Africa’s top designers, nothing in the store can be purchased with cash or credit cards – only by becoming an organ donor. The launch party starts at 7pm and we’re predicting a flash mob, so get there early! However the pop-up shop will remain open until all the clothes have been exchanged, at least until the end of the month they told VISI and longer if more designers get on board.

Friday 17 May 2013

Boeke Bazaar
Book Lounge, 71 Roeland Street, Cape Town, 021 462 2425

All of us have memories of old school bazaars – well it’s time to revisit them… Open Book Cape Town is having a fundraiser event with a pudding table and a white elephant table and – it goes without saying – a tombola. Toast Coetzer (who wrote an essay for VISI 63) and Stephen Timm, of Buckfever Underground fame, will be performing on the evening. The event will start at 5pm. 

Dialogue
Upstairs @ Bamboo, corner of Ninth Street and Rustenburg Road, Melville, Johannesburg, 011 486 0526

Carl Becker, Diane McLean, Guy du Toit, Cornelia Stoop, Pieter Robbetze, Clare Haynes and other painters and sculptors feature on this exhibition, which runs until Saturday 26 May 2013.

Tuesday 21 May 2013

A Sense of Place
GIfA Offices, 77 Juta Street, Braamfontein, 011 403 0954

Refugee children from the Three2Six School at Sacred Heart College spent their 2012 winter holiday exploring different art forms. Having experienced varying degrees of displacement and trauma, the children have expressed them selves and a new sense of place. The opening is at 6pm for 6:30pm (RSVP here) and the exhibition shows until 14 June 2013.

Still Free
KZNSA Gallery, 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, Durban, 031 277 1705

Two exhibitions open tonight at 6pm. Urban artist Mook Lion’s first solo exhibition will include a mural on the exterior of the gallery, as well as a large-scale photographic installation of his street art interventions in and around Durban. London artist Tom Van Herrewege, who is currently on a residency at the gallery, will present Paradise Lost, inspired by the beauty of the animal kingdom. The exhibitions shows until 9 June.

Thursday 23 May 2013

The Good Food and Wine Show Cape Town
Cape Town Convention Centre, Cape Town

Until Sunday, the Mother City will be hit by a storm of culinary delights and innovation as the best chefs descend on the CTICC for the Good Food & Wine Show. Tickets R110 for adults. 

Changing Faces
Barnard Gallery, 55 Main Street, Newlands, 021 671 1666

Profiling portraits in South Africa, this exhibition is a forensic deconstruction of the genre. “As with all traditions, the incarnation of portraiture – and its currency – is always dependent on the partiality of the perspective in which we view the world and ourselves, circumscribed by the times in which we live,” reads the invitation. The opening is at 6pm and the exhibition runs until 11 July.

Don’t forget to enter the Sanlam Private Investments National Portrait Award by 13 August 2013. More info. 

Friday 24 May 2013

Grand Designs Home and Garden Show
Coca-Cola Dome, Johannesburg, 011 794 5800

Until Sunday, Grand Designs Live 2013 is certainly taking it to an all-new level with a focus on interactivity, innovation, education, experts and trending – bringing even more creative affairs to this grand affair! 
With over 300 exhibitors, across seven different sections, the show covers interiors, kitchens & bathrooms, self-build and renovations, gardens, technology and shopping.

Saturday 25 May 2013

100in1Day Festival
Various venues, Cape Town

An exciting one-day crowd-sourced festival for proactive creative social change entails some 100 projects popping up around Cape Town for a day. This includes the first manifestation of Fixperts in South Africa. Read more here.

KWV Sensorium Knit-a-thon
57 Main Road, Paarl, 021 807 3147

Keep your fingers warm by dropping by the KWV Sensorium, grabbing some kneedles and yarn, and joining the Knit-a-thon on Saturdays 25 May and 1 June from 9am to 3pm. For every 30cm by 30cm square knitted, you can get a free glass of wine. On Saturday 8 June the La Concorde head office building will be yarnbombed!

Tuesday 28 May 2013

Italian Chair District
Beautifull Life Building, 70 to 72 Bree Street, Cape Town, 083 682 1999

The Italian Chair District is presenting a temporary showroom featuring seven of their leading brands – Domitalia, Fornasarig, Frag, Gervasoni, Moroso, Potocco Spa and Tonon – in Cape Town until Friday 31 May. Read more here.

Cape Wool Week
Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton City, Johannesburg, 082 870 6497

The International Campaign for Wool and Cape Wools SA is holding the first annual celebration of the South African wool industry and all the benefits of wool as a material during a week of wool promotion at Sandton City from 28 May to 3 June 2013. Cape Wools will show live Merino sheep to the public on Nelson Mandela Square, with the cooperation of the local Animal Welfare, on Saturday 1 June. This will coincide with a “sheep auction”, where felt sheep art, created during Design Indaba, will be auctioned to registered bidders. Proceeds of this auction will go towards South African school children, so make sure you drop in to find out why you should be surrounded by this exquisite natural fibre. Read more here.

Thursday 30 May 2013

WITS Art Museum Auction
WITS Art Museum, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 011 717 1365

The auction, which will be personally conducted by Stephan Welz of Strauss & Co, will have two main objectives: firstly to kick-start a campaign for an endowment for the museum and secondly to celebrate, along with its donors and loyal supporters, WAM’s first year of operation in the new space.

Friday 31 May 2013

Missibaba pop-up
Kirsten Goss, Shop 2A, 66 St Andrew Street, Birdhaven, Johannesburg, 011 447 2234

A pop-up boutique of the ultra fashionable leatherwear by Missibaba will take place on Friday 31 May from 9:30am to 7pm and on Saturday 1 June from 9:30am to 1pm. The best pieces will fly out of the store first, so get there early! RSVP.

Pierre Cronje Factory Sale
9 Induland Avenue, Lansdowne, 021 691 8589

With up to 60% off Pierre Cronje’s distinctive wood furniture, this sale on Friday 31 May from 9am to 5pm and Saturday 1 June from 9am to 2pm is more like a steal! Email for enquiries.

Deadline for the Loeries Interior Design Awards

Save the date…

Monday 17 June

Litmus Skin
artSPACE Durban, 3 Millar Road, Durban, South Africa, 031 312 0793

Friday 28 June 20 to Sunday 7 July

Pick ‘n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival
Knysna, Western Cape, 044 382 5510 

Friday 5 July

Deadline for the Cobra Design Competition
Cobra Watertech, design@cobrawatertech.co.za 

Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July

Franschoek Bastille festival
Franschoek, Western Cape, 021 8762861

Thursday 25 July to Sunday 28 July

PE Homemakers Expo
Moffett on Main Lifestyle Centre, PE, 041 3736616

Friday 28 June to Sunday 7 July

Pick ‘n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival
Around Knysna, Garden Route, Western Cape, 044 382 5510

Friday 26 July 2013

Sometimes Words Are Hard to Find
artSPACE Durban, 3 Millar Road, 031 312 0793

Thursday 7 to Sunday 11 August

Decorex Joburg
Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg

Friday 8 August to Sunday 11 August

The Good Food and Wine Show Durban
Durban Exhibition Centre, Durban

Saturday 7 September to Wednesday 11 September

Open Book Festival
Book Lounge, 71 Roeland Street, Cape Town, 021 462 2425

Saturday 21 September to Monday 24 September

The Good Food and Wine Show Johannesburg
Coca-Cola Dome, Johannesburg

This page is constantly updated, so browse back regularly to stay in the loop. If you would like your event featured, email details to web@visi.co.za.