A New Year ushers in new opportunities, and in the Cape Town CBD, it comes with exciting activities and events as lockdown restrictions ease and life becomes more normal. Check out what’s on and come back to town.
EXHIBITIONS
A line beyond
Now on till 27 January 2022
AVA gallery’s group show “A line beyond” takes inspiration from the German artist Paul Klee who said, “a drawing is simply a line going for a walk”. Using various mediums, 11 artists present their interpretations on the “walk” Klee was talking about and extend the use of “the line” in unexpected ways. The goal is to allow audiences to see what’s possible when one takes an unconventional path.
Where: Association for Visual Arts Gallery, 35 Church St
When: 10h00 – 22h00 (Tuesday to Friday), 10h00 – 13h00 (Saturday), 11h00 – 13h00 (Sunday)
Cost: Free
www.ava.co.za
Summer Salon 21/22
Now on till 31 January 2022
Nel’s “Summer Salon 21/22” exhibition has been extended until month-end following an upsurge in visitors and demand. If you haven’t seen it already, check it out to view new paintings and installations by various artists. This January, the gallery also has discounts on selected work making this an ideal time to buy covetable artworks.
Where: Nel, 117 Long St
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Tuesday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.nelart.co.za
Truth be told
Now on till 31 January 2022
This must-see exhibition by multidisciplinary African artists Williams Chechet and LegakwanaLeo Makgekgenene looks at “contested African histories through a digital lens”. The artists use text and images from popular culture to challenge viewers to make sense of complex colonial histories.
Where: Eclectica Contemporary, 56 Church St
When: 09h30 – 17h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h30 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.eclecticacontemporary.co.za
Beauty
Ongoing
Youngblood is exhibiting a group show in which the artists look at the concept of beauty using various mediums. Philippine Laureau is one of them, and having lived abroad for many years, she’s interested in cultural differences and diversity. “In my work, I sew together coffee bags from all over the world and create minimalist, imperfect, yet colourful paintings that relate to the complex society we are living in.”
Where: Youngblood Gallery, 70 Bree St
When: 09h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Friday)
Cost: Free
www.youngblood-africa.com
AVA satellite exhibition
Ongoing
The Association for Visual Arts Gallery has beautiful photographs by Billy Monk, Daleen Nel Hall and Luxolo Witvoet on show in the foyer of the Daddy Long Legs Hotel Check them out.
Where: Daddy Long Legs Hotel, 134 Long St,
When: Open 24/7
Cost: Free
www.ava.co.za
Colour me happy
Now on till 31 January 2022
Artist, designer, illustrator and art-director Karen Vermeulen invites you to briefly step away from your world and into hers. Creativity, colour, pattern and illustration brings her joy, and she hopes her recent artworks will have the same effect on you.
Where: The Ladder, 136 Bree St
When: 07h00 – 16h00 (Monday to Friday), 08h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.theladderon136.com
Falling Awake
Ongoing
Check out THEFOURTH’s latest group exhibition featuring work by 16 artists. The show is curated by Shona van der Merwe and Heinrich Groenewald, founders of a new practice called Reservoir.
Where: THEFOURTH, 28 St Georges Mall (4th Floor, Exchange Building)
When: 10h00 – 17h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.thefourth.co.za
Embodied Cognition
Ongoing
THK Gallery has stunning paintings by Tashinga Majiri, Nyasha Marovatsanga and Lulama Wolf. Using ambiguity and suggestion, the trio invites audiences to think and see things differently.
Where: 52 Waterkant St, THK Gallery
When: 10h00 – 18h00 (Tuesday to Friday), 10h00 – 15h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.thkgallery.com
99 Loop Gallery exhibitions
27 January till 26 February 2022
99 Loop Gallery kicks off the New Year with two brand new exhibitions by artists Wim Legrand and Ilené Bothma. Legrand’s show, Blue Moon, looks at information overload and the absurdity of life. It will feature acrylic paintings and a sculptural piece. In All that Remains, Bothma uses mediums such as textiles, painting, and ceramics to explore personal stories and intimate relationships. To receive preview catalogues of both shows, email gallery@99loop.co.za.
Where: 99 Loop Gallery, 99 Loop St
When: 10h00 – 15h00 (Monday to Friday), 10h00 – 14h00 (Saturday)
Cost: Free
www.99loop.co.za
Framing Landscape: “the Picturesque” and “the Sublime”
Now on until 28 February 2022
This one-of-a-kind exhibition brings together landscape paintings made in Europe and South Africa between the 1600s and 1800s, showcasing the two major modes of landscape art that emerged in this period. Works being presented include paintings from the Bailey, William Fehr and Iziko South African National Gallery collections.
Where: Iziko South African National Gallery, Government Ave
When: 09h30 – 15h30 (Monday to Sunday)
Cost: R15 – R30
www.iziko.org.za
Kemet: Life in Ancient Egypt
Now on till 31 March 2022
If you’ve ever wanted to explore ancient Egypt, check out this Iziko exhibition in partnership with the Friends of Design: Academy of Digital Arts. Using augmented reality, the show explores how prehistoric Egypt has shaped our world today in terms of writing systems, pharaohs, science and technology, beliefs and religion, and recreation.
Where: Iziko Slave Lodge, cnr Adderley and Wale sts
When: 09h30 – 15h30 (Monday to Sunday)
Cost: R30 – R15
www.iziko.org.za
Dreams as R-evolution
Now on till 17 May 2022
This one-of-a-kind show features sculptural forms, drawings, paintings, photographs and costumes. Artist Coral Bijoux is challenging viewers to think deeply about transforming themselves and their environments. Check it out and, as per the show’s four pillars, dare to “reimagine ideas of self, space, authority, power and innocence”.
Where: Iziko South African National Gallery, Government Ave
When: 09h30 – 15h30 (Monday to Sunday)
Cost: R15 – R30
www.iziko.org.za
REGULAR & OTHER EVENTS
Summer Symphony Festival
3 February 2022
Catch the third and final concert of the Summer Symphony Festival by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra at the Cape Town City Hall. The previous two have already taken place. Principal guest conductor Bernhard Gueller will be on the podium with Suzanne Martens on violin and Petrus Coetzee on the viola in the Sinfonia concertante in E flat by Mozart. Nielson’s Symphony No. 2, Op. 16 “The Four Temperaments” will be the main attraction.
Where: Cape Town City Hall, Darling St
When: 18h00 – 20h00
Cost: R180 – R220
https://bit.ly/3GDP2t6
A Streetcar Named Desire
2 to 12 February 2022
Artscape Theatre Centre kicks off February with the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, A Streetcar Named Desire, by renowned playwright Tennessee Williams. The show marks its 75th anniversary this year and Abrahamse and Meyer Productions is celebrating the milestone by bringing it back with a “revisionist twist”. The play explores various themes including loss and yearning and is reported to have transformed modern drama. It’s worth seeing.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 19h30
Cost: R200 – R380
https://bit.ly/3tytqdT
International Public Art Festival
18 to 27 February 2022
Don’t miss the International Public Art Festival (IPAF), Africa’s largest public art festival organised by BAZ-ART, this February. The sixth instalment, with festivities in Harrington St in the CBD and Salt River, will be held under the “Humanity” theme to promote the arts while educating people and encouraging debate. Over nine days, local and international artists will paint massive murals that will add to the 133 that already exist. The event is family-friendly and will include Covid-19 safe street art experiences and walking and cycling tours.
Where: Cape Town CBD, Harrington St
When: 10h00 – 16h00
Cost: Free to view. However guided tours start from R450 per person.
https://ipafest.co.za/
Locked Doors, Behind Doors
17 to 19 February 2022
This touching production tells the story of South Africa’s lockdown in the context of slave and migrant workers. Director and choreographer Sbonakaliso Ndaba and dancers from Indoni Dance, Arts and Leadership Academy set out to honour the individuals who lived and worked under these appalling and restrictive conditions. The show looks at how life, for some, during South Africa’s lockdown suddenly looked like that of slaves who were stripped of their own identities and freedoms and how their homes were no longer places of safety and comfort but induced feelings of powerlessness, frustration, anger, anxiety and despair.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 20h00 (17 and 18 February), 16h30 and 20h00 (19 February)
Cost: R100 (adults), R50 (pensioners and students), R30 (scholars)
https://bit.ly/3LgX4La
One Arm
9 to 19 February 2022
This Abrahamse and Meyer Productions stage adaption is based on Tennessee Williams’ evocative short story, One Arm. It tells the tale of Ollie Olsen, a champion boxer in the American Navy, who loses an arm in an accident and becomes a prostitute.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 18h00
Cost: R125 – R380
https://bit.ly/3rpXFkH
Krotoa: Eva van de Kaap
24 to 26 February 2022
This play brings to life the neglected story and history of the 17th century Khoi woman, Krotoa van Meerhof, who was an interpreter and negotiator alongside Jan van Riebeeck. It sheds light on what happened then and what is still happening in the modern world so viewers can be prepared for the future.
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan St
When: 19h30
Cost: R100
https://bit.ly/3lblytW
Investec Cape Town Art Fair
18 to 20 February 2022
It’s back. The annual Investec Cape Town Art Fair returns to the Central City in February after a Covid-19 and lockdown-induced hiatus. This year’s programme will be a hybrid event featuring over 100 exhibitors from all parts of the world. Organisers say the new format “takes into account the lean towards at-home viewing while making sure that the in-person experience is worth dusting off those party dresses for”. Don’t miss it.
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC 2), 1 Lower Long St
When: To be announced
Cost: To be confirmed
www.investeccapetownartfair.co.za
Dance Classes
Ongoing
Put on your dancing shoes and join Figure Of 8 Dance Co for a contemporary dance class at Youngblood on Wednesdays and Mondays. Online and private lessons are also available. For details on fees and to book, contact @figureof8dancecollective via Instagram or email them at fo8dance@gmail.com.
Where: Youngblood Gallery, 70 Bree St
When: 18h00 – 19h30 (Wednesdays and Wednesdays)
Cost: Available on request
www.youngblood-africa.com
Friday City Cycle
Fridays
Open Streets Cape Town has reinstated its popular Friday City Cycle initiative. This time experienced and novice cyclists gather at Rook Cycles around lunchtime on Fridays and set off on a leisurely 7 km-cycle to explore bicycle routes, so people are comfortable riding in the CBD. Those without bikes can rent one in advance at Rook Cycles.
Where: Rook Cycles, 173 Bree St
When: 12h30 (Fridays)
Cost: Free
www.openstreets.org.za
The Ladder workshops
29 January 2021
Art and crafts lovers will feel right at home at The Ladder. The venue is hosting an illustration workshop by artist, designer, illustrator and art director Karen Vermeulen. She’ll share how to make a painting using a strong colour palette. Another interesting session is on Green Book Making where participants will learn how to use recycled paper to create beautiful books.
Where: The Ladder, 136 Bree St
When: Wednesdays
Cost: R300 – R500
www.theladderon136.com
The Blue Room at Grub & Vine
Ongoing
Treat yourself to the sounds of Jazz and Blues, delicious cocktails and food at The Blue Room at Grub & Vine from Mondays to Saturdays. Tickets to musical performances cost less than R200 which goes directly to artists. Check out the venue’s website and social media pages to see who is performing next.
Where: Grub & Vine, 103 Bree St
When: 19h30
Cost: R100
www.grubandvine.co.za/the-blue-room/
Live music at Local at Heritage Square
Wednesdays
Catch gifted local musicians singing live at Local at Heritage Square on Wednesdays. The food and drink emporium has various venues, including Liam Tomlin’s Mazza and Penny Noire Wine Bar, offering a variety of food and drink options.
Where: Shortmarket St, Local at Heritage Square
When: 18h00 – 21h00
Cost: Free
www.facebook.com/LocalatHeritageSquare
Jazz on the rooftop at The Grand Daddy
Few things are better than the beautiful sounds of jazz on Valentine’s Day eve. Catch singer, songwriter and performer Kristi Lowe with her full band at The Grand Daddy. They’ll be playing love songs, jazz classics, well-known favourites, and original music. It promises to be a great night with good food and drinks to accompany the music. Tickets are available via Quicket.
Where: The Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel, 38 Long St
When: 16h00 – 18h00
Cost: R200
https://qkt.io/kristiloweco
Craft Circle
Wednesdays
Craft Circle is ideal for meeting cool people, socialising with friends and exploring your creative side. Participants from all walks of life bring their embroidery kits, clay toolboxes, sewing machines or any other materials they are working on. The three-hour-long sessions are hosted by Cape Town Craft Club owner Andie Reeves.
Where: The Ladder, 136 Bree St
When: Every first and second Wednesday of the month
Cost: R120
www.capetowncraftclub.wordpress.com/craft-circle/
City Sightseeing South Africa
Ongoing
Discover or rediscover Cape Town and its surroundings by hopping on the popular Red Bus by City Sightseeing South Africa. Choose from a range of packages available for adults and kids, including a Hop on Hop Off Tour between the CBD and the V&A Waterfront. The two-day Premium Hop On-Hop Off Ticket includes an option to choose between a Harbour or Canal Cruise in between the three stops.
Where: City Sightseeing South Africa, 81 Long St
When: 09h00 – 16h52
Cost: R49 – R499
www.citysightseeing.co.za/en/cape-town
Sky-Hi Ride at Hotel Sky
Ongoing
Hotel Sky, the Cape Town Central City’s newest hotel, has a 30-metre Sky-Hi Ride on its rooftop. It offers the best views of Cape Town and is reportedly the first of its kind in Africa and only one of seven in the world. Have a look at what’s in store for you here and be sure to book your ticket here.
Fable Music Sessions
Every Saturday
On Saturdays, Fable hosts DJ Tanner Mason who keeps patrons entertained with great music as they indulge in cocktails and good food.
Where: Fable, The Block, cnr Bree and Wale sts
When: 07h00 – 22h00
Cost: Free
www.facebook.com/fablecpt
Gin Saturdays at The Station On Bree
Every Saturday
Where: The Station On Bree (five double G&Ts with garnish)
When: 13h00 – 17h00
Cost: R200
www.thestation.capetown
East City Cycles Friday Social Ride
Every Friday
Where: East City Cycles, 50 Harrington St
When: 05h45 – 07h30
Cost: Free
www.eastcitycycles.com
Story time for children at Book Lounge
Every Saturday
Where: Book Lounge, 71 Roeland St
When: 11h00 (all kids are welcome and there’s no need to RSVP)
Cost: Free
www.booklounge.co.za
First Thursdays
First Thursday of every month
Where: Cape Town CBD including inside galleries and restaurants
When: 17h00 till late
Cost: Free
www.first-thursdays.co.za
IMAGES: Investec Cape Town Art Fair, Rook Cycles, Summer Symphony Festival, Heritage Square