What does Cape Town have in common with New York, Sao Paulo, Berlin, London and Paris? It may not appear as the obvious answer at first, but Cape Town joins these other cities as one of the world’s top destinations when it comes to graffiti, or street art, as is fast becoming the preferred term. Traversing simple acts of vandalism and maturing into a fully fledged art form, street art is conscious of itself and its strength to communicate with people. For this reason street art, perhaps more than any other form of art, carries strong social and political messages. This is incredibly evident on the streets of Cape Town, which abound with striking pieces that are not only beautiful but also insightful and loaded with meaning. From political icons such as Nelson Mandela and Steve Biko, heroes of the struggle against apartheid, to works that highlight issues of social injustices such as the abuse of women and the gap between the poor and rich – very real issues that South Africa is struggling to come to terms with – Cape Town’s street art gives a voice to the voiceless and a forum for authentic expression in the urban wilderness. Continue reading »
Oct 132010
What does Cape Town have in common with New York, Sao Paulo, Berlin, London and Paris? It may not appear as the obvious answer at first, but Cape Town joins these other cities as one of the world’s top destinations when it comes to graffiti, or street art, as is fast becoming the preferred term. Traversing simple acts of vandalism and maturing into a fully fledged art form, street art is conscious of itself and its strength to communicate with people. For this reason street art, perhaps more than any other form of art, carries strong social and political messages. This is incredibly evident on the streets of Cape Town, which abound with striking pieces that are not only beautiful but also insightful and loaded with meaning. From political icons such as Nelson Mandela and Steve Biko, heroes of the struggle against apartheid, to works that highlight issues of social injustices such as the abuse of women and the gap between the poor and rich – very real issues that South Africa is struggling to come to terms with – Cape Town’s street art gives a voice to the voiceless and a forum for authentic expression in the urban wilderness. Continue reading »
Aug 242010
September signifies the approach of Spring in the Southern Hemisphere and with it sunshine, longer days, flowers blooming and a revival of the natural world. Kirstenbosch, the most famous botanical garden in South Africa, is celebrating the coming Spring with it’s Botanical Art Biennale. Now in its tenth year, the biennale offers the perfect opportunity to experience two of life’s most profound pleasures – art and nature – and the interrelationship between the two that has inspired man throughout the ages. Vincent van Gogh stated, “Keep your love of nature, for that is the true way to understand art more and more”. Perhaps in a reversal of this, the Botanical Art Biennale 2010 is using art to rekindle the love of nature, and highlight it’s plight in our current day and age. The focus this year is particularly on rare and endangered plant species, the loss of biodiversity and the danger it presents to the ecosystem. This theme challenges and encourages artists to build relationships with conservation organisations, scientists and horticulturists. The event will run from 5th to the 24th of September and promises to be a highlight for art and nature lovers alike. For more information click here.
Aug 172010
While it’s quite easy to live like a rock star in the Mother City, indulge in expensive restaurants, visit the most exclusive clubs, and raid the designer boutiques at the V & A Waterfront or Cape Quarter, its also very possible to have a great time without spending much money at all! If you do happen to find yourself in this great city and with limited means here are a few tips to keep in mind. Number one – stop what you’re doing right now and take a look where you are. Cape Town is one of the most naturally beautiful cities in the world! Climb Table Mountain, enjoy a sunset overlooking Camps Bay, or walk or cycle through Newland’s forest. It’s nature, it’s good for you, and nine times out of ten, its free. And even the places which charge a small entrance fee, such as Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, more than make up for it with the experience provided.
Maybe nature’s not your thing and you are more interested in a cultural experience. For a small entrance fee, the National Gallery or Museum will fill both your time and your mind with fascinating finds and awe inspiring objects. Having a reputation as one of the world’s creative hubs, Cape Town has some excellent commercial galleries with new shows opening every week. Attending an opening or perusing a gallery is an excellent activity that often won’t cost a cent (unless of course you are planning on taking something home – which many will tell you is a great investment). Some of Cape Town’s better galleries, the one’s that have made a mark on the Allabout radar, include Salon 91, Joao Ferreira, and Michael Stevenson. All three of them present some of the most cutting edge contemporary art by local movers and shakers.
A day of nature, culture or art in the fair Cape should keep you busy for a while without burning through your wallet. Any other suggestions, please feel free to post them in the comments. Until next time!
