2017 was something of a tipping point for Cape Town.
For with the opening of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) in the Silo Precinct of the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town staked its claim as the capital of art and creativity in Africa.
A year later saw the opening of the Norval Foundation in the Constantia winelands, with a focus on modern art from Africa and the diaspora alongside a striking sculpture garden set dramatically beneath the peaks of the Table Mountain National Park.
While these two galleries cemented Cape Town’s reputation as a hub for African art and art tours, they were standing on the shoulders of a vibrant network of galleries, studios and creatives that have slowly established the city as a hotspot for continental creativity.
The likes of the Goodman Gallery, Everard Read and South Africa’s National Gallery are all worthy destinations for art-loving travellers, while the annual Investec Cape Town Art Fair – mark 21-23 February 2025 in your diaries! – has added a commercial component to the city’s celebration of artistic endeavour, establishing a crucial marketplace for artists and gallerists to connect with buyers and curators.
It is, without doubt, an exciting time for the arts in Cape Town.
And there’s certainly plenty of excitement at Ellerman House this spring, with the installation of the latest major addition to the Ellerman House collection: artist Willem Boshoff’s remarkable work: ‘DEATH OF AFRIKAANS’.
The result of a decade’s worth of dedication, DEATH OF AFRIKAANS is a monumental work, featuring 14 546 words from the Afrikaans language laser-etched onto five slabs of ‘Zimbabwe Black’ granite in Times New Roman font, and stacked in the style of a cenotaph, the traditional monument to the fallen.
Language is a contentious issue in South Africa, and this provocative work is both a testament to the artist’s love for his language, and his fears over its demise.
“In standing up for my language I went to considerable trouble selecting what I consider my personal list of the most alluring, remarkable words in Afrikaans. This took me many years of working in the small hours of the night, sifting through dictionary upon dictionary,” says Boshoff. “I put my heart and soul into the choice of material, the technical execution and concept. My memorial must stand way beyond the eventuality of something that I pray will never happen.”
It's the latest addition to Ellerman House’s remarkable art collection that that ranges from early-colonial pictorial history to nuanced Apartheid-era works. In the elegant guest lounge landscapes from iconic painter JH Pierneef share the space with celebrated works by William Kentridge.
In the purpose-built Ellerman House Art Gallery, with glorious sea views from the dedicated library area, you’ll find more contemporary works showcasing the brave new direction of many innovative younger artists. Throughout the property guests can discover and engage with more than 1000 works, with engaging art tours offered to resident guests. Guided by our curator, and personalised to your individual interests, tours are available by appointment, and complimentary.
For art-loving travellers, November 2024 offers an unmissable opportunity to dive deep into Cape Town’s resurgent arts scene while contributing to a groundbreaking fundraising initiative.
The Art Haven Retreat from 8-11 November 2024 offers an unforgettable Cape Town cultural experience, including three-nights’ accommodation, a 90-minute facial or massage at Ellerman House Spa and a host of arts-focused activities and tours.
These include a guided tour of the Ellerman House art collection, an off-site hands-on workshop hosted by Art Route, an off-site arts tour in the city, and complimentary access to the Art Angels Auction event (Saturday 9 November); an auction initiative by Ellerman House in support of the Click Learning foundation.
Availability is limited, and advance reservation is essential for the chance to be a part of this landmark event on Cape Town’s cultural calendar!
