CAPE TOWN ART WEEK 2024
The Manor was in Cape Town for the 11th annual Investec Cape Town Art Fair, documenting the style that comes with the global impact of art in Africa. The events during the week culminated in a deep appreciation for the hard work and vision that came to life over the weekend.
The week kicked off with the annual Zeitz MOCAA Gala Dinner, a glamorous seated affair on Sunday, 11 February. Guests were seen in white tailoring, gold accents and majestic fabrics, bringing harmony to the regality and heritage that is so akin to Gucci. The overall Gala scenography and key design elements are inspired by renowned South African artist Athi-Patra Ruga, drawing from his rich artistic oeuvre and adding a layer of aesthetic depth to an event that truly was an enchanting experience.
At the launch of IBest Wines — a premium wine brand founded by Ingrid Best that offers a portfolio of fine wines perfect for the modern-day wine drinker — bold co-ords accompanied the vibrant Rich Mnisi rug that adorned the walls at the entrance of Southern Guild.
The scene was set perfectly against the backdrop of the iconic V&A Waterfront and an array of guests in stately yet simple outfits seamlessly accompanied the elegant bronze notes of the furniture on display as part of Mnisi’s newest presentation. As guests lay on the stone sofa and sat on sheepskin armchairs, the striking style dignified the art and brought it to life in a way that was fun yet decorous. accompanied the elegant bronze notes of the furniture on display as part of Mnisi’s newest presentation. As guests lay on the stone sofa and sat on sheepskin armchairs, the striking style dignified the art and brought it to life in a way that was fun yet decorous.
A solo exhibition by Lea Colombo, ‘Seeing Beyond’, brought diversity in style to match the unique visual language of the artist as they debated the power of the mind, soul and current state of existence that her work focuses on. Her approach is one of examining colour and form in new ways, with attendees in prints and patterns allowing the pink walls of Casa Colombo to come to life.
Iziko Museum, Esther Mahlangu’s most comprehensive show to date, brought a great number of guests championing South African heritage brands. Thebe Magugu’s offerings couldn’t be missed as the choice of designer for the night, bringing together two globally celebrated South African powerhouses, the old and the new. South African heritage merged with the future of what South African heritage is becoming — made possible by all those attending a monumental feat in African art history.
Finally, the pinnacle was the style on display at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair. The eclecticism in style that came from the fusion of attendees hailing from the design, art, fashion and music world was not missed as people flocked to see the exhibitions and experience all the fair had to offer. Simple was the way for attendees who perfectly recognised that it was art that stood out that day. Utilitarian outfits stood out as a theme with shirts and ties, denim vivacity moving seamlessly through the exhibitions, with accessories amplifying the playful nature that is art in all of its forms.
