By Rachel Hill

Cape Town is a thriving and eclectic city which seems to have the happy knack of being able to be all things to all people. No matter what your interests, Cape Town is able to cater to almost any holiday whim you can conjure up. So be it bungee to big bands, or safaris to shopping, this wonderfully vibrant city will offer you almost anything on a plate. But if you’re looking to slow down a little and include a bit of culture on your itinerary, the city has a wonderful contemporary arts scene just waiting to be experienced.

Erdmann Contemporary Gallery

This gallery serves as not only one of Cape Town’s premier contemporary art galleries, but also as an important showcase of the city’s burgeoning photography scene. Originally the gallery was launched to promote ‘comic art’ in Cape Town but now it is also home to works by prominent and emerging sculptors, painters and printmakers. The Photographer’s Gallery within the Erdmnann hosts exhibitions from both local and international photographers. With exhibits displaying such intriguing names as ‘Deep Down We All Want to Rob a Bank’, and ‘Never Too Late to Be a Man’, the Erdmann has become a must-see destination for locals and visitors to Cape Town alike.

Artvark

Situated in Kalk Bay, which is now an officially designated seaside suburb of Cape Town, this wonderfully eccentric little gallery and shop is a treasure trove of contemporary art, and a real find for anyone looking for the unusual. Set amidst the jumble of junk and antique shops which line the seafront, Artvark stands out as a bohemian, light-filled space full of local artwork, crafts and jewellery. Some of the more unusual finds in the gallery are Artvark’s own range of cutlery, and steel works fashioned from solid steel plate.

Kirikara

For a truly traditional taste of African arts and crafts, Kirikara in the Cape Town suburb of Hout Bay, carries everything from intricately woven African carpets and bright, geometric-patterned baskets, to exquisite embroidery pieces and rustic pottery. Kirikara authentically reflects the wonderfully warm culture and heritage of the African people, and the collection of arts and crafts has been sourced from all over the continent. As well as having two retail outlets (the other being in Namibia), Kirikara also welcomes visitors to their farm studio in Namibia where you can watch the artists and craftspeople as they work.

The Goodman Gallery

The Goodman Gallery in Cape Town bills itself as being at ‘the forefront of contemporary South African art’; and it certainly does not disappoint. While focusing primarily on artists from South Africa, it also exhibits a growing number of internationally renowned artists from around the world. In 1966 when the gallery was founded, it was the vision of its creator to offer support and nurture local artists despite the oppressions of apartheid. This vision has evolved into a meeting and melding of modern and traditional culture, focusing on international themes of youth issues and socio-political subjects. As well as the gallery in Cape Town, the Goodman also has a high-profile presence in Johannesburg and is planning an expansion of its publishing programme into limited edition, high-quality books.

About the Author: Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made

Cape Town

holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

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