Joburg’s RMB Latitudes art fair returns in May with a message of “Co-emergence”.

This autumn, art lovers will gather at the immaculate Shepstone Gardens to take in the marvels of art and collaboration at the RMB Latitudes art fair. Now with Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) as a title sponsor, the 2023 edition of the fair will be focusing on outdoor sculpture as well as solo and duo artist presentations, converging arty lifestyle flavour with strong collaborative concerns.

The choice of venue aims to balance the tastes of casual art lovers and discerning fair visitors and collectors alike. The “art in the garden” approach, which creates space for an outdoor sculpture exhibition, will be well suited for family experiences, levelling up on the lifestyle aspect of the art fair experience. “There are people who may think we’ve gone smaller because of the park, but it allows us to have a more diverse offering,” says Roberta Coci, co-founder of Latitudes.

In a way, this year marks a return to Latitudes’ founding vision. The fair was launched in 2019 as a physical art event at Nelson Mandela Square by an all-woman team, before it evolved into a vibrant online art platform during the Covid years. It has since become an impossible-to-ignore player on the African art market. In particular, the Latitudes team are trying “to make it easier and financially sustainable for galleries from across the African continent to participate in the fair”, says Roberta. The annual art fair calendar can be demanding on smaller galleries – a reality that independent artists face too.

These concerns are central to curator Nkhensani Mkhari’s vision for this year’s fair. He says he’s looking to “imbue the exhibitions with the joy of discovery: the discovery of new art experiences; art lovers discovering they can afford to buy art; and a discovery of new collaborative possibilities between artists, and between galleries”.

Nkhensani is curating two special projects in the fair. The International Galleries section will include “carefully considered and selected galleries” that will be invited to show. According to Roberta, the approach looks to offset the often-cumbersome barriers to participation, such as paying for a booth, flying in staff, organising hotel stays, and other generally expensive aspects of travel. “We’re finding creative, collaborative ways to allow galleries to access the fair without being present,” she says.

Index – the Independent Artist Exhibition – is the platform for showcasing a selection of artists who respond to the curatorial theme, “Co-emergence”. “It’s about the idea that what is good for you is good for me too,” says Nkhensani. “We see ourselves co-emerging together with participating galleries and artists.”

The two-year hiatus may have been a bit of a blessing for Latitudes. Unlike the launch edition, this year’s fair benefits from the brand strength and organisational credibility generated through the online arm of the business. It is projected to host about 40 participating galleries and artists drawn from across the continent, as well as from New Zealand, Europe and beyond.

RMB Latitudes 2023 will be held from 26 to 28 May 2023 at Shepstone Gardens, Johannesburg.

Looking for more local art? Sign up to our weekly newsletter, here.

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Latitudes Online is a marketplace consisting of a plethora of independent artists, curators, studios, galleries and non-profit organisations, specialising in the accessibility of art from Africa and the diaspora.

Whether one hopes to discover emerging artists like Zana Masombuka or purchase seasoned artists such as William Kentridge, from big galleries such as SMITH to organizations like ArtThrob, Latitude Art Fair’s online space offers a myriad of choices.

Latitudes Art Fair was launched in Johannesburg in September 2019, and due to the rearrangement of this year’s live exhibitions, the art fair moved online full-time and will run all year until September 2021, when it hopes to resume live exhibitions. “The overwhelmingly positive response we received to our physical fair that launched in September last year confirmed an appetite for a new zone of exchange; one which is inclusive, innovative and more diverse,” said Lucy MacGarry, who together with Roberta Coci, co-directs Latitudes Online.

The website offers access and insight: weekly featured artists from 35 galleries and 6 NPOs, consisting of 350 artists from 120 countries, curated by a diverse group of local and international curators, as well as a guide for new art buyers – it’s not just an online gallery but a shared space for discovery.

“Of the many ways we plan to enliven the Latitudes experience is to show more experimental, film, video and digital work on the platform,” explains Lucy. “By promoting such work alongside traditional painting and sculpture, we aim to change perceptions around its value.”  In many ways, this year has become the catalyst for making art more accessible to art lovers and broken down the walls that prescribe certain attitudes regarding whom art is made for, which platforms like Latitude seek to do.

In the context of Africa, where art is often underrepresented and under-supported and the art world is filled with its own hierarchical practices, this online space creates an enormous opportunity for African artists to exhibit and gain worldwide exposure, something that is not only important and impactful in terms of social change in the creative world, but necessary as we move towards a world that encourages inclusivity.

View more artworks at latitudesartfair.com.

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With several international shows on the cards, as well as a range of other projects, artist and curator Banele Khoza’s career is going from strength to strength.

He might be an award-winning visual artist and the founder of BKhz gallery and studio, but 26-year-old Banele Khoza says that when he was growing up, a career in the arts seemed like a pipe dream.

Born in Hlatikulu in Swaziland, he moved to South Africa as a teen, later pursuing a degree in fashion design at the London International School of Fashion. Quickly realising that the drawing and design aspects were not as much of a priority at LISOF as he’d expected, he decided to follow his passion for the arts, and transferred to a fine-arts course at the Tshwane University of Technology.

“The lack of belonging I felt in my community growing up is what drew me to art,” he says. “I had to find a way to occupy my mind, so I started drawing and journalling. Through this, I was able to create a world in which I felt accepted.”

With many solo and group exhibitions already behind him, it’s safe to say that his childhood dream has been realised. “I have managed to cultivate this life, which I’m so proud of; now I’m also building spaces for others to realise their dreams,” he says. “This is what helped me take the leap to self-representation – and to open my gallery, BKhz, which I feel has been a defining moment in my career. It’s been a roller-coaster ride, for sure, but the response I’ve had has been phenomenal.”

Asked about the artists he looks up to, Banele says they include Lynette Yiadom-Boakye. “I love her work – she paints so graciously, with an honest perspective.” He also thinks that Lunga Ntila is one to watch – “the future of contemporary art”.

But if he could own just one piece of art regardless of the price tag, it would be Moshekwa by Marlene Dumas – the compelling portrait that inspired him to become a painter. “I draw my inspiration from life and love,” he says. “There is inspiration everywhere in life, and the experiences of life could be love.”

Banele’s upcoming exhibitions include a solo show in the Netherlands titled The Boys I Have Liked, and a group show in London curated by Gabi Ngcobo, and he will once again be co-curating the FNB Art Joburg Gallery Lab in September.

“I will also be going to New York for the Ampersand Fellowship, and I will hopefully get to see life from a different perspective,” he says. “I’m excited.”

Contemplating his journey and where he finds himself at present, he says the advice he’d give to his younger self would be simple: “You are capable. You are worthy of love. You will succeed. It won’t be easy, but you’ll do it.” We’d have to agree…

Follow Banele on Instagram and check out BKhz’s latest online exhibitions at bkhz.art.

The post Curators in Focus: Banele Khoza appeared first on Visi.

Over 100 galleries and exhibitors will come together to take part in this year’s Investec Cape Town Art Fair, running from 15 – 17 February 2019.

The seventh edition of the fair will see the Cape Town International Convention Centre abuzz with artists, galleries, collectors, curators, visitors and art journalists from across the world.

Here’s what to expect:

A Thought-Provoking Talks Programme

Well-versed art experts and newbies alike are encouraged to join in on the panel discussion on “Curating in the 21st Century”, a period of splintering movements and shifting perspectives. The esteemed panel of acclaimed scholars and curators from a myriad territories will not only unpack contemporary exhibition making but also explore the collection of digital arts, the world of copyrights and creative hubs.

Take this opportunity to converse with some of the world’s most renowned artists. Speakers include Renaud Proch, Director of Independent Curators International; Chief Curator Khwezi Gule of Jo’burg Art Gallery; and Tegan Bristow, Head of Digital Media at Wits University.

Tomorrow’s Talent Today

Revel in a curated cross-section of the world’s most thrilling emerging artists selected by none other than the Art Fair’s own Tumelo Mosaka. This is a showcase of important voices that intends to transform emerging talent into trail-blazing stars.

You can expect to see the likes of  Zyma Amien (South Africa) of Art First in London, United Kingdom; Medina Dugger (US/Nigeria) of Art Twenty One in Lagos, Nigeria; John Metelerkamp (South Africa) of Candice Berman Gallery in Johannesburg, South Africa; Troy Makaza (Zimbabwe) of First Floor Gallery in Harare, Zimbabwe; and Chris Soal (South Africa) of Guns & Rain in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Digital Direction in the SOLO Section

The SOLO section of the fair will delve into the digital world of our realities. An assortment of solo presentations will see mediums bearing messages as new and traditional skill sets engage in meaningful conversation. Prepare to be bewildered, and possibly uncomfortable, by the exploration of the volatile relationship between the physical and digital space.

Confirmed artists include Kyu Sang Lee (South Korea) of Eclectica Contemporary in Cape Town, South Africa; Ibrahim Mahama (Ghana) of APalazzo Gallery in Brescia, Italy; Sitaara Stodel (South Africa) of Smith Studio in Cape Town, South Africa; Tabita Rezaire (French Guyana/Denmark) of Goodman Gallery in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa; Jake Singer (South Africa) of Matter Gallery in Toronto, Canada.

Local Talent

Meet Africa’s exhilarating gallery circuit in all of its splendour. Meander down this section to steep yourself in a contemporary African art scene that simultaneously offers creations that speak of worlds beyond the confines of the artists’ home soil.

Exhibiting galleries include Afriart Gallery of Kampala; Nairobi’s Circle Art Gallery; Espaco Luanda Arte; First Floor Gallery of Harare; Louis Simone Guirandou Gallery of Abidjan; Omenka Gallery of Lagos; and This is not a White Cube of Luanda.

Unframed’s Emerging Artists

Meet the interactive section that functions as a platform for the commissioning of rising talent. Envelope yourself in activations where emerging artists commune with the public outside of the traditional gallery context.

Last year saw artists Lungiswa Gqunta, Turiya Magadlela and Sethembile Msezane commissioned to narrate the lives of ordinary women and transform traditionally dull objects into tools of disorder. While it will be a tough act to follow, the seventh edition promises to be thrilling.

Cultural Platforms for Non-Profit Initiatives

The Cultural Platforms section is a stage for non-profit art institutions that operate both locally and in Africa. Illustrating an aim that is broader than the successes of the established, the Art Fair showcases participants from initiatives that are key players in the creation of tangible change. As initiatives that pioneer integration, they play a pivotal part in restructuring and aligning ideas surrounding change in Africa.

Expect to see the likes of collectives and art organisations such as Village Unhu from Zimbabwe and the ZOMA Museum from Ethiopia.

Beyond the selection above, expect to be further culturally revitalised by a jam-packed programme that includes a gallery night, guided walkabouts and Meet The Artist sessions in various gallery booths. See the full programme here.

The Investec Cape Town Art Fair runs from Friday 15 February to Sunday 17 February 2019. For more information, visit investeccapetownartfair.co.za.

Looking for more on local art? Here’s what happened at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair in 2018.

The post What To Expect At The Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2019 appeared first on Visi.

This cool clip, directed by Kenji Hirano for NOWNESS, highlights the work and process of iconic punk portrait photographer Dennis Morris, who is behind intimate shots of stars like Bob Marley, Marianne Faithfull and the Sex Pistols.

His career as a photographer was not readily supported by his high school career counsellors, even though he knew from the age of nine that being a photographer was his goal. In this one-on-one video, Dennis chats about his influences, motivations and knack for being in the right place at the right time.

“My photography has always been about people,” says Dennis in the clip. “Even now I’m still fascinated by people and different cultures and it inspires me. It’s always about people for me.”

His pieces have been exhibited in museums and galleries all over the world, from KNOWN in Los Angeles to the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London.

To view more of Dennis’s work, visit dennismorris.com.

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FNB Joburg Art Fair curator Lucy MacGarry fills us in on the African art scene right now.

The eighth annual FNB Joburg Art Fair was held at the Sandton Convention Centre in September 2015. The fair has grown to the point that it has become an anchor for Joburg Art Week, which sees a vibrant programme of collateral events happening all over the city, with galleries, museums, arts organisations and artists collaborating to promote a public focus on the city’s art scene.

We’ve seen a huge interest in all things African. Is this a trend that will continue to grow?

Absolutely. When it comes to contemporary art, design and culture, all eyes are on Africa. It’s thrilling to witness a kind of rebranding of the continent and to be able to play a role in promoting this international interest through the annual FNB Joburg Art Fair.

The appetite for African art is palpable in our fair’s growing number of exhibitors and the budding of new African fairs such the Cape Town Art Fair, London-based 1:54 and Paris-based Also Known as Africa (AKAA). Still, while we ride this wave it remains essential for our artists to become more widely and fairly represented beyond the often-regional categorisation of African practice.

Name six young African artists whose works we should be buying right now.

Ibrahim Mahama (Ghana), Mikhael Subotzky (South Africa), Dean Levin (South Africa/USA), Omar Victor Diop (Senegal), and Adam Broomberg (South Africa) and Oliver Chanarin (UK), who work together as Broomberg & Chanarin.

Some of Lucy’s favourite works at the Joburg Art Fair:

“This year, our special projects programme focused on experimental film and live performance, so it follows that a few of my favourite works can be described as multidisciplinary in form,” says Lucy.

Taking centre stage was Candice Breitz’s multi-channel video installation Him + Her – marking its inaugural showing in South Africa – along with a new project entitled Portrait of an Artist, conceived specially for the fair.

American musician and artist Benjamin Patterson, who is one of the founders of the Fluxus movement, made a rare and magical appearance with his interactive performance Paper Piece (1960), presented by the Goethe-Institut.

International film festival LOOP Barcelona screened the 2015 Discovery Award film Seeds (2012) by Israeli artist Shahar Marcus in which the camera follows a landmine clearance crew and a sower of seeds that follows in their tracks.

The Narrators (2015) by Jenna Burchell can be described as a series of interactive sculptural instruments that play with the notion of storytelling. With a simple touch, or by running one’s fingers through the strings, they reveal audible hints of a shared South African oral history.

A print by Hank Willis Thomas titled The Taming of the Shrewd, 1966/2015 (2015), which forms part of his show Unbranded: A Century of White Women, 1915–2015. He took 100 magazine ads, deleted the copy and enlarged the images as a comment on how white women have been portrayed.

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HAZARD gallery is the latest addition to Johannesburg’s Maboneng Precinct.

Artist, curator and co-founder of the Edinburgh International Fashion Festival, Jonathan Freemantle, along with Daniel Liebmann, who has been part of the Maboneng Precinct urban regeneration project since its inception, founded the new space, which launched in May 2015. Together they run it with artist and curator Neil Nieuwoudt, who has worked with NIROXprojects, the gallery’s previous incarnation, since 2012.

Although the new space maintains its connection to NIROX, HAZARD is not just an art gallery. It is “an art, fashion and lifestyle space that encompasses a commercial art gallery and vibrant urban cultural hub in the heart of Johannesburg.” So you can expect to see projects that go beyond familiar exhibitions. In June, they hosted Bubblegum Club Nights, an evening that featured a pop-up shop, a fashion presentation, zines, live performances and a DJ set. Saturday 1 August will see them host a Street Food Festival.

Art exhibitions featuring some of the most interesting established and emerging local artists will still form the main offering at HAZARD. At their recent PROTEST exhibition, which explored artists whose work protests violence, silence and censorship, attendees were treated to the work of well known artists like Kudzanai Chiurai, Willem Boshoff and Gerald Machona. The current exhibition, Let X be, which opened on 16 July, features the work of Johannesburg artist, Frederick Clarke.

HAZARD is located at 264 Fox Street, Corner of Main and Berea, Arts on Main, Maboneng Precinct, Johannesburg. For more information, visit hzrd.co.za or email hazard.gallery@gmail.com.

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1 January

Prints: Willem Boshoff; Pat Mautloa; William Kentridge and Diane Victor

Fried Contemporary, 1146 Justice Mahomed Street (formerly 430 Charles Street), Brooklyn, Pretoria 

Until 17 January 2015. This new exhibition in the Collector’s Room showcases a selection of prints by some of South Africa’s greatest printmakers and artists.

HOMECOMING at Southern Guild Gallery

Until 10 February 2015. The new Southern Guild Gallery is open at Unit 1, 10-16 Lewin Street
Woodstock, Cape Town. Homecoming is the first exhibition and features designers and artists such as Brett Murray, Gregor Jenkin, Justine Mahoney and Laurie Wiid van Heerden.

Karoo Farmscapes, solo exhibtion by Mark De Wet

Classic Revivals, 34 Napier Street De Waterkant, Cape Town

Until 30 January 2015. From 9am to 5pm.

Dillon Marsh: For What It’s Worth Exhibition

Until 24 January 2015. Photographer Dillon Marsh will be hosting a solo show at the Brundyn+ Gallery at ORO AFRICA Building (First Floor), 170 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town.

The Art of the Brick Lego Exhibition

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Until 28 February 2015. See acclaimed artist Nathan Sawaya’s incredible works built in this childhood classic toy. The works consist of giant portraits and large-scale figures contructed from Lego.

Tickets are available online through Computicket and cost R140 for adults and R95 for under 18s.

11 January

An Exhibition of work by Paula vize, Peter van Straten and B. Ernest Manfunny

The Cape Gallery, 60 Church Street, Cape Town

Until 31 January 2015. The upcoming exhibition at The Cape Gallery seeks to present the works of three very perceptive artists; three very divergent points of view.  The content of their work is familiar; the interpretation may or may not be overt or obvious – paintings and watercolours become, in the process, objects of subjective contemplation.

18 January

City Below by Lorenzo Nassimbeni

NIROXprojects, Arts on Main Johannesburg

Until 08 February 2015. City Below is an exhibition exploring and exposing the existing subterranean architecture of the city of Johannesburg. The exhibition will see the unveiling of an Invisible or Imagined City represented in the form of a large mural.

Open Streets

Bree Street, Cape Town

On Sunday 18 January Bree Street will be car-free from 9h00 to 14h00. It will become Open Streets. Confirmed activities include a bike bus, a skating obstacle course by Africa Skate; a kiddie’s corner and a wide array of spontaneous urban interventions by 100in1 Day Cape Town.

22 January

Jennifer Morrison Colour Works

The Gallery, 68 on Hobart, Bryanston

31 January

Delheim Harvest Celebration

Knorhoek Road, Stellenbosch

Until 1 February 2015. Tickets to the Delheim Start of Harvest Celebration 2015 are limited to 120 adults per day and cost R285 per adult (R175 per child under 12; kids under 2 are free). Your ticket includes all the activities and food on the day, including a Delheim wine glass, and the grape must and mosbolletjie on arrival.

Ongoing Events

Free Outdoor Active Fitness Programme returns to the V&A Waterfront

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 021 408 7600

Until March/April 2015. Having partnered with top experts to develop the programme, the V&A will host a series of free physical activities ranging from yoga to running clubs, bringing the gym outdoors, and to you. 

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 features. The market is open all day Wednesday to Sunday.

Neighbourhood Goods Market

The Old Biscuit Mill, 373 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

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

Neighbourhood Goods Market

73 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

This is the younger cousin of the Cape Town event. It runs every Saturday from 9am to 3pm. It may not be quite as big and epic, but it’s steadily growing alongside the exciting Braamies rejuvenation.

Groote Post Country Market

Groote Post, Darling Hills Road, Darling, 022 492 2825

Until April 2015. Indulge in the best of local Darling gourmet produce, arts and crafts, décor, gifts, homeware stalls and more, while the children are entertained by tractor rides, guided horse riding and sheep-shearing demonstrations. Relax in the shade on the lawns and tables, enjoying the live music while sipping on Groote Post’s Rosé, specially produced for the markets (and for sale at the monthly markets only). Held on the last Sunday of every month, until April 2015, between 10am and 3pm. Entry is free.

City Bowl Food Market

14 Hope Street, Gardens, Cape Town

Every Thursday from 4.30pm to 8.30pm and Saturday from 9am to 2pm, this food and wine market offers easy access to fresh produce and tasty fare. Thursdays in particular have become quite a social affair and Saturdays sometimes includes a fashion component. 

Capital Urban Market

107 Corobay Avenue, Menlyn Maine, Pretoria

Capital Urban Market is a Pretoria inner-city market forming part of the Cool Capital 2014 citizen-driven initiative to revitalise and restore the inner-city, as well as give local designers and entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase and expand their brand.

Dear Mr Mandela, Dear Mrs Parks and Freedom XX

The University Museum, 52 Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch (Sasol Art Museum), 021 808 3691

Until 31 December 2014, Dear Mr Mandela, Dear Mrs Parks is inspired by the late human rights activist Rosa Parks, as well as the hundreds of children around the world who wrote letters to Nelson Mandela. The staff of the university museum crowd-curated Freedom XX, with each member selecting an artwork and writing a short curatorial statement. Both form part the university-wide celebrations of 20 years of freedom. 

La Motte Helgaard Steyn Awards Exhibition

R45 Main Road, Franschhoek Valley, 021 876 8000

Until June 2015. The exhibition will showcase the works of the winners of the Helgaard Steyn Award since its inception in 1987 until 2013. It will focus on three main areas: visual art works, musical compositions and literature.

Save The Date

18 – 21 March 2015: Made Expo Milano

Presented by Milano Architettura Design Edilizia.

The post January 2015 Diary appeared first on Visi.

1 December

Prints: Willem Boshoff; Pat Mautloa; William Kentridge and Diane Victor

Fried Contemporary, 1146 Justice Mahomed Street (formerly 430 Charles Street), Brooklyn, Pretoria 

Until 17 January 2015. This new exhibition in the Collector’s Room showcases a selection of prints by some of South Africa’s greatest printmakers and artists.

HOMECOMING at Southern Guild Gallery

Until 10 February 2015. The new Southern Guild Gallery is open at Unit 1, 10-16 Lewin Street
Woodstock, Cape Town. Homecoming is the first exhibition and features designers and artists such as Brett Murray, Gregor Jenkin, Justine Mahoney and Laurie Wiid van Heerden.

4 December

South African Market’s 1^st birthday

1^st floor, 107 Bree Street, Cape Town

Thursday at 6pm. Established in 2013 S.A.M. aims to be a platform for South African fashion, furniture, jewellery and décor designers to retail their most accomplished work to the local and tourist market.

Situated in a loft space on Bree Street S.A.M. is configured so that designers are able to have their own store-within-a-store. The curated collections offer unique pieces of local design of an international standard. Do some Christmas shopping away from busy malls and support local traders.

Karoo Farmscapes, solo exhibtion by Mark De Wet

Classic Revivals, 34 Napier Street De Waterkant, Cape Town

Until 30 January 2015. From 9am to 5pm.

Fete – An Art Show Or Something

246 Fox Street, Arts on Main, Johannesburg

A one-night exhibition showcasing a broad range of emerging and experimental art practices from Cape Town and Johannesburg, including works from Europe and USA. The South African art collective MARTHA the curate this exhibition. Open from 7pm to 11pm.

Not A Witch by Atang Tshikare

54 Church Street, Cape Town

Atang Tshikare is considered by many in the design world to be one of the most exciting prospects to emerge in recent years. His first solo exhibition of paintings opens at the Worldart gallery on 4 December 2014.

Not by a witch will feature eight paintings of which three are portraits of inspirational friends – Athi-Patra Ruga, Nthato Mokgata (Spoek Mathambo) and Isaac Zavale.

Gallery hours are Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and on Saturday from 10am to 1pm.

Dillon Marsh: For What It’s Worth Exhibition

Until 24 January 2015. Photographer Dillon Marsh will be hosting a solo show at the Brundyn+ Gallery at ORO AFRICA Building (First Floor), 170 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town.

6 December

Le Kap Lifestyle Fair

Blaauwklippen Vineyards, Stellenbosch

Join in the fun with wine, gourmet food, dressage and couture fashion. Dress code is chic/glamorous. On from 11am to 7pm. Tickets are available at Computicket at R500 each.

12 December

The Art of the Brick Lego Exhibition

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Until 28 February 2015. See acclaimed artist Nathan Sawaya’s incredible works built in this childhood classic toy. The works consist of giant portraits and large-scale figures contructed from Lego.

Tickets are available online through Computicket and cost R140 for adults and R95 for under 18s.

14 December

Spier Winelands Express

Travel by train to visit Spier, one of the oldest farms in the Cape Winelands. Upon arrival, taste five wines, visit Eagle Encounters and enjoy lunch at the farm-to-table restaurant, Eight.

The ticket includes entrance to Eagle Encounters, Spier Wine Tasting (or a grape juice tasting for kids), as well as two bottles of your choice of signature wines (one white, one red). You also get lunch at Eight or a selection of picnic goodies to the value of R125 from Eight to Go Deli. Cost is R390 per person or R295 for children.

28 December

Spier Winelands Express

Travel by train to visit Spier, one of the oldest farms in the Cape Winelands. Upon arrival, taste five wines, visit Eagle Encounters and enjoy lunch at the farm-to-table restaurant, Eight.

The ticket includes entrance to Eagle Encounters, Spier Wine Tasting (or a grape juice tasting for kids), as well as two bottles of your choice of signature wines (one white, one red). You also get lunch at Eight or a selection of picnic goodies to the value of R125 from Eight to Go Deli. Cost is R390 per person or R295 for children.

____________________

Ongoing Events

Free Outdoor Active Fitness Programme returns to the V&A Waterfront

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 021 408 7600

Until March/April 2015. Having partnered with top experts to develop the programme, the V&A will host a series of free physical activities ranging from yoga to running clubs, bringing the gym outdoors, and to you. 

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 features. The market is open all day Wednesday to Sunday.

Neighbourhood Goods Market

The Old Biscuit Mill, 373 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

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

Neighbourhood Goods Market

73 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

This is the younger cousin of the Cape Town event. It runs every Saturday from 9am to 3pm. It may not be quite as big and epic, but it’s steadily growing alongside the exciting Braamies rejuvenation.

Groote Post Country Market

Groote Post, Darling Hills Road, Darling, 022 492 2825

Until April 2015. Indulge in the best of local Darling gourmet produce, arts and crafts, décor, gifts, homeware stalls and more, while the children are entertained by tractor rides, guided horse riding and sheep-shearing demonstrations. Relax in the shade on the lawns and tables, enjoying the live music while sipping on Groote Post’s Rosé, specially produced for the markets (and for sale at the monthly markets only). Held on the last Sunday of every month, until April 2015, between 10am and 3pm. Entry is free.

City Bowl Food Market

14 Hope Street, Gardens, Cape Town

Every Thursday from 4.30pm to 8.30pm and Saturday from 9am to 2pm, this food and wine market offers easy access to fresh produce and tasty fare. Thursdays in particular have become quite a social affair and Saturdays sometimes includes a fashion component. 

Capital Urban Market

107 Corobay Avenue, Menlyn Maine, Pretoria

Capital Urban Market is a Pretoria inner-city market forming part of the Cool Capital 2014 citizen-driven initiative to revitalise and restore the inner-city, as well as give local designers and entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase and expand their brand.

Dear Mr Mandela, Dear Mrs Parks and Freedom XX

The University Museum, 52 Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch (Sasol Art Museum), 021 808 3691

Until 31 December 2014, Dear Mr Mandela, Dear Mrs Parks is inspired by the late human rights activist Rosa Parks, as well as the hundreds of children around the world who wrote letters to Nelson Mandela. The staff of the university museum crowd-curated Freedom XX, with each member selecting an artwork and writing a short curatorial statement. Both form part the university-wide celebrations of 20 years of freedom. 

La Motte Helgaard Steyn Awards Exhibition

R45 Main Road, Franschhoek Valley, 021 876 8000

Until June 2015. The exhibition will showcase the works of the winners of the Helgaard Steyn Award since its inception in 1987 until 2013. It will focus on three main areas: visual art works, musical compositions and literature.

Save The Date

18 – 21 March 2015: Made Expo Milano

Presented by Milano Architettura Design Edilizia.

The post December Diary appeared first on Visi.

1 November

City Desired

City Hall, Cape Town

Until 10 December 2014. Curated by Tau Tavengwa and Edgar Pieterse, City Desired will offer Cape Town’s residents and visitors a penetrating insight into the challenges and possibilities facing the unique city. The exhibition will explore the dynamics that echo in cities across the world as they contemplate their purpose in this urban century. 

Bianca Baldi – Zero Latitude

GoetheonMain, 245 Main St, Maboneng Precinct

Until 12 November 2014. Bianca Baldi’s project begins with a particular design object, The Louis Vuitton Explorator. Commissioned by Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza for his expedition to Congo, the highly stylised form of this explorer’s day bed is capable of containing and unfolding not only physically but also conceptually, the trappings and projections accompanying the aesthetic of colonial ambition at Zero Latitude.

My Family and Other Cameras by St.John Fuller

David Krut Bookstore, 151 Jan Smuts Avenue.

Until 30 November 2014. St.John will be sharing some of his experiments with cameras and photography. A camera obscura will be built, the projection surfaces will be cut staggered thus allowing the viewer to interfere and play with the projected images. Visitors to the gallery will form part of the inverted, projected images, and thus will become part of the installation itself. Hanging on the walls, and available for sale, will be printouts of images the images that St.John has created using the pin hole cameras that he has built.

5 November

Kamers vol Geskenke

Webersburg Wine Estate, Stellenbosch

Until 9 November. One of SA’s most exciting pop-up events is back in the Winelands this month. Expect the best in local design and crafts, delicious artisanal food and toe-tapping live music at KAMERS from 4 – 9 November 2014 at Webersburg Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. All days run from 9am – 5pm, except on Friday, which will close at 7pm and on Sunday, which will close at 3pm. Entrance is R75 at the gate. 

Sculpture and Ceramics Exhibition

Kalk Bay Modern, 1^st floor Olympia Building, 136 Main Road, Kalk Bay 021 788 6571

Until 30 November 2014. Exhibitors include Alexia Klopje, Andrew Walford, Catherine Brennon, Ceramics Matters, Chantel Woodman, Charles Haupt, Christo Giles, Clementina Van Der Walt, Helen Vaughan, Ian Garret, John Bauer, Lisa Firer, Louise Gelderblom and many more.

6 November

Spier Secret Courtyard

70 Juta Street, Braamfontein
 
Following the great success of the pop-up wine bar in Cape Town, the Spier Secret team is bringing Spier wines to Johannesburg. In November 2014, the Spier Secret Courtyard in Juta Street will present a collision of great art, food and wine – the perfect spot to chill out and feel the city’s creative pulse.
 
The Spier Secret Courtyard has an extensive range of Spier wines to enjoy, accompanied with tasty snacks. The Spier Secret Courtyard’s calendar is with live music and Secret Dinners hosted by the Cape’s most inspiring creatives. Thursdays – Saturdays, 5pm – 11pm.

Teeming by Bronwyn Lace

Speke Photographic Gallery, Circa on Jelliecoe, Rosebank, Johannesburg 011 788 4805

Until 6 December. “Teeming” features a cross section of Lace’s studio practice over the last 4 years. Examples of her “Collapse”, “Found Bodies” and “Reliquary” series are on show, as well as a first electronic and interactive installation titled “Labour/Labor” and the a second in her new series of outdoor sculptures “From Orient to Occident”.

Subject Matter, Columbia Road Pop Up Gallery and Shop

136 Columbia Road, London, E27RG

Until 26 November. Photographic artists from around the world on exhibition.

Ashraf Jamal speaks on Enigmatic Black: The Body-in-love

GoetheonMain, 245 Main St, Maboneng Precinct

Ashraf Jamal is a teacher, writer and editor, currently based at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, where he lectures on film and visual culture. He is the author of “Predicaments of Culture in South Africa” (2006).

7 November

Sanlam Handmade Contemporary (FoodWineDesign) Fair

Rooftop of Hyde Park Corner

Until 9 November. From leather workers, to jewellers, ice cream makers and hand pulled noodle experts, artisans will take turns to temporarily showcase their craft in a dedicated space at the Fair. Visitors will be able to view these producers at work and interact with them, thus gaining an exclusive glimpse into the studio life of artisans. On the food side, look out for new exhibitors such as Gwefey Asian Cuisine, Chef Susan Greig and Coobs, while the Fair is excited to welcome many first-time wine exhibitors, including Cavalli Estate, Oneiric, Painted Wolf Wines and Marianne Wine Estate.

Tickets are available at the door for R100 (kids 12 and under enter free) and online via webtickets.co.za for R90.

8 November

V&A Waterfront and Mercedes Benz Summer Sessions: Tucan Tucan

V&A Amphitheatre, Cape Town 

Argentinian vocalist and pianist Muriel Marco brings Latin American flair and beat to the African rhythm of Mozambican vocalist and drummer Frank Paco and South African guitarist Angelo Syster, tenor, soprano, saxophonist and flutist Buddy Wells, vocalists Lana Crowster and Lee-Ann Fortuin and bass guitarist Andre Webb.

Art in the Forest Presents Charmaine Haines

Until December 2014. “Fishtales Women & Birds” – A contemporary ceramics exhibtion.

Rhodes Drive, Constantia Nek Circle, Cape Town.

11 November

Plascon Trend Talk

Plascon Auditorium, 71 Waterkant Street, Cape Town. 3pm -5pm.

Erdmann Contemporary Opening of Sasol New Signatures

84 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town

Until 5 December 2014. Artists include Lucienne Bestall, Paris Brummer, Anwar Davids, Daniel Joubert, Alexandra Karakashian, Bronwyn Katz, Lorienne Lotz, Bert Pauw, Juanette Smuts, Evan Wigdorowitz, Adriaan Diedericks, Brett Ashley Gendall, Christel Liebenberg, Marguerite Roux, Jessica Lee Staple, Shona van der Merwe and Anika van der Westhiujzen.

16 November

V&A Waterfront and Mercedes Benz Summer Sessions: Natasha Meister

V&A Amphitheatre, Cape Town. 6pm.

Although she hails from a “blues-country-soul” background, Meister’s newly launched EP What Goes Around takes a new pop-rock direction. She lists the Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Paramore as having a significant influence in her decision to switch from blues to rock, which she sees as just a heavier and edgier version of the blues.

Corobrik National Ceramics Exhibition

Great Cellar, Alphen Estate, Alphen Drive, Constantia

Until 6 December 2014. Runs weekdays from 9am until 5pm and Saturdays 9am until 1pm.

20 November

ABSA Vuka Showcase

Wembley Square, Cape Town

Until 22 November 2014. This three-day free event will see the likes of Jeremy Loops, Dan Patlansky and Derek Gripper perform. Expect Craft Beer tasting, coffee and chocolate pairings and a variety of creative workshops.

27 November

Chroma 2014 Summer Exhibition at the Stevenson Gallery

Buchanan Building, 160 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock

Unitl 17 January 2014. The gallery is open throughout the holiday season, except on public holidays; hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and Saturday 10am to 1pm.

28 November 

Open Studios Cape Town

Observatory / Salt River / Woodstock

Until 29 November 2014. OPEN STUDIOS forms part of ART WEEK CAPE TOWN, in which the public are invited to meet artists in their studios and in some cases buy work commission free.

Ruth Prowse Gratuate Show 2014

The Ruth Prowse School of Art Graduate Show of 2014 opens on 28 November at 6:00 pm and showcases the work of the Fine Art, Graphic Design, Jewellery Design and Photography students.

29 November

The Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival

Huguenot Monument, Main Road, Franschhoek

The Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival (aka The Magic of Bubbles®), in association with Mastercard, is coming to the Winelands.

You’ll be able to sample some of South Africa’s best MCC’s including Pierre Jourdan, Morena, Môreson, La Motte, Boschendal, Leopard’s Leap, Noble Hill, Plaisir de Merle, Antonij Rupert Wines, JC le Roux, Krone, Pongracz, Steenberg and Villiera. You’ll also be able to taste French champagne brands, including Piper Heidsieck, Guy Charbaut and Veuve Clicquot.

V&A and Mercedes Benz Mini Folk Fest

V&A Amphitheatre Cape Town 2:30pm -7:30pm

Expect a great medley of free non-stop local talent. 

Bottelary Hills Pop-Up Winemakers Lunch

Beyerskloof Estate, R304 outside of Stellenbosch

The Bottelary Hills Winemakers Lunch at Beyerskloof starts at 12h30 (for the wine tasting, followed by lunch at 13h00) and costs R280 per person for the interactive tasting and lunch which includes a glass of wine per course. Pre bookings are essential as seating is limited.

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Ongoing Events

Free Outdoor Active Fitness Programme returns to the V&A Waterfront

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 021 408 7600

Until March/April 2015. Having partnered with top experts to develop the programme, the V&A will host a series of free physical activities ranging from yoga to running clubs, bringing the gym outdoors, and to you. 

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 features. The market is open all day Wednesday to Sunday.

Neighbourhood Goods Market

The Old Biscuit Mill, 373 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

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

Neighbourhood Goods Market

73 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

This is the younger cousin of the Cape Town event. It runs every Saturday from 9am to 3pm. It may not be quite as big and epic, but it’s steadily growing alongside the exciting Braamies rejuvenation.

Groote Post Country Market

Groote Post, Darling Hills Road, Darling, 022 492 2825

Until April 2015. Indulge in the best of local Darling gourmet produce, arts and crafts, décor, gifts, homeware stalls and more, while the children are entertained by tractor rides, guided horse riding and sheep-shearing demonstrations. Relax in the shade on the lawns and tables, enjoying the live music while sipping on Groote Post’s Rosé, specially produced for the markets (and for sale at the monthly markets only). Held on the last Sunday of every month, until April 2015, between 10am and 3pm. Entry is free.

City Bowl Food Market

14 Hope Street, Gardens, Cape Town

Every Thursday from 4.30pm to 8.30pm and Saturday from 9am to 2pm, this food and wine market offers easy access to fresh produce and tasty fare. Thursdays in particular have become quite a social affair and Saturdays sometimes includes a fashion component. 

Capital Urban Market

107 Corobay Avenue, Menlyn Maine, Pretoria

Capital Urban Market is a Pretoria inner-city market forming part of the Cool Capital 2014 citizen-driven initiative to revitalise and restore the inner-city, as well as give local designers and entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase and expand their brand.

Dear Mr Mandela, Dear Mrs Parks and Freedom XX

The University Museum, 52 Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch (Sasol Art Museum), 021 808 3691

Until 31 December 2014, Dear Mr Mandela, Dear Mrs Parks is inspired by the late human rights activist Rosa Parks, as well as the hundreds of children around the world who wrote letters to Nelson Mandela. The staff of the university museum crowd-curated Freedom XX, with each member selecting an artwork and writing a short curatorial statement. Both form part the university-wide celebrations of 20 years of freedom. 

La Motte Helgaard Steyn Awards Exhibition

R45 Main Road, Franschhoek Valley, 021 876 8000

Until June 2015. The exhibition will showcase the works of the winners of the Helgaard Steyn Award since its inception in 1987 until 2013. It will focus on three main areas: visual art works, musical compositions and literature.

Save The Date

4 December 2014 – 30 January 2015: Karoo Farmscapes, solo exhibtion by Mark De Wet

18 – 21 March 2015: Made Expo Milano

Presented by Milano Architettura Design Edilizia.

The post November 2014 Diary appeared first on Visi.