THE RIVER

Mar 122012

The River

THE RIVER

An exhibition by Louis Minnaar & Maaike Bakker

4 – 21 April 2012

Salon91 Contemporary Art Collection

From the minds of two young thinkers in a purple-flowered-city

This fantastic tale emerges, mysterious and gritty:

A sloth, on a terrible journey, hoping to recover what he’s lost;

banks will be flooded, lines will be crossed.

Pretorian visual artists Louis Minnaar and Maaike Bakker present a twisting narrative exhibition of collaborative visual artworks complemented by the words of Jaco van der Merwe.

Gallery Details:

Salon91, 91 Kloof Street, Cape Town, 8001

Contact Person: Monique du Preez, Curator to Salon91

info@salon91art.co.za / www.salon91art.co.za

082 679 3906 / 021 424 6930

Gallery Hours: Tue-Fri: 10am – 6pm / Sat: 10am – 2pm / Sun-Mon: Closed / Also open by appointment

Writing’s on the Wall

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 »

Loerie Awards 2010

Oct 012010

This weekend sees the Loerie Awards, South Africa’s biggest event in the world of advertising and media, roll into Cape Town.  First held in 1978 and now in its 32nd year, the 2010 Loerie Awards, dubbing itself ‘The biggest event of the year’, is looking to be bigger and bolder than ever before.  No longer content with a single award show, the Loerie Awards has stretched itself into a weekend festival from the 1st to the 3rd of October, encompassing all manner of events and activities across Cape Town. Continue reading »

Things to do in Cape Town: 5 Essentials

Sep 012010

Cape Town

Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa’s most prominent tourist destination is littered with things to do.  From eating at world-class restaurants, partying the night away at top-notch clubs or simply sipping cocktails while watching the sun set over pristine beaches and sparkling oceans.  From vibrant Long Street and trendy Green Point to Camp’s Bay and the Cape Peninsula, cosmopolitan Cape Town will entertain and enthrall all day and night long.  With so much on offer it’s difficult to narrow a list of things to do in Cape Town to just five essentials.  But, after much deliberating we have done just that.  So without hesitation, here are the five things to do in Cape Town before you leave.  Enjoy!

Continue reading »

Sushi in the Mother City

Aug 252010

Cape Town SushiIf ever there was a food that has gained a cult following in Cape Town in recent time then sushi is it.  Locals and visitors alike cannot seem to get enough of the raw fish sensation from Japan.  From nigiri to maki and sashimi to California rolls, this multicoloured delicacy is illuminating plates and pallets across the city.  And for devotee, finding the perfect sushi restaurant has become a crusade that can be likened to finding the perfect cup of coffee or the perfect steak.  And like the aforementioned task, this is no easy feat.  With dedicated sushi restaurants popping up everywhere and sushi bars opening up in restaurants sporting different cuisines, finding that perfect fashion sandwich or rainbow roll is becoming more and more difficult.  Luckily Allabout is here to point you in the direction of some of the best sushi the Mother City has to offer:

Continue reading »

Art of a Distinct Nature

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.

Heard it through the Grape Vine

Aug 202010

‘Wine is bottled poetry’, to quote Robert Louis Stevenson, while Ernest Hemmingway called wine ‘the most civilized thing in the world’.  From sacrament to intoxicant, the much loved nectar of the grapes has and still continues to play a vital part in our unfolding story.  In the Western Cape, a region world famous for its wine estates and vineyards, the love of wine is particularly ripe and abundant.  South Africa is the 8th largest wine producing country in the world with 430 000 cellars producing 800 million litres of wine every year!  Public tastings and wine tours are a regular feature in the country’s tourist circuit with towns such as Stellenbosch and Franshoek receiving thousands of wine enthusiasts every year.  For the serious connoisseur this weekend presents an opportunity not to be missed.  The WineX Rand Merchant Bank Wine Festival is taking place at the CTICC.  Featuring 1200 different varieties of wine to taste , come and meet local and international winemakers, taste their current releases and learn about the latest trends in winemaking.  If you are serious about your wine or just interested in finding out what all the fuss is about, this is one not to miss!

Golfing in the Western Cape

Aug 182010

Cape Town Attractions: golf

Golfing in Cape Town

For some it’s a casual hobby, a way of relaxing and letting off steam after a hectic week at work.  For others its a way of life, something closer to a religion than a simple game.  Whether you fall into either of these two camps, or somewhere in between, its undeniable that the simple act of hitting a ball across a course and into a hole has a following unlike any other sport or game in the world.  Visit any part of the world and you are sure to be greeted by a unique and challenging golf course to test your ability against.  And Cape Town is no different.  As one the world’s most beautiful cities, it is no surprise that the region offers some excellent golfing and golf tourism choices.  Allabout highlight’s the following three distinguished golf clubs that are guaranteed to impress any enthusiast:

Continue reading »

Cape Town on a Budget

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!

Sizzling Entertainment in Durbs

Aug 132010

Durban has long held the title of South Africa’s number 1 city when it comes to sunshine and beaches.  Featuring arguably the best all round weather in the country, not to mention warm water from the Indian ocean all year round, its not hard to see why this is the case.  Whether catching rays in your best bikini and sunglasses or riding the most awesome waves, Durban’s beaches are a slice of paradise.  And when not passing the time away by the ocean, the city abounds with exciting things to see and do.  Here is a teaser from the folks at Allabout: Continue reading »

© 2012 Allabout City Guides Suffusion WordPress theme by Sayontan Sinha