The eagerly anticipated Solo Studios – Intimate Art Encounters returns to the Riebeek Valley in August, 2023. Here 17 artists’ studios will be open to the public over the weekend of 18 to 20 August, with seven of these artists having invited external collaborators to co-exhibit in their personal spaces.
A further seven group exhibitions will be held at various galleries and venues, including two private art collections in exclusive guest houses. Spending time in the intimate spaces of the artists’ studios will offer pass-holders an insight into their processes and inspiration.
Arts Town Riebeek Valley
“We don’t merely sell art at Solo Studios. We sell an experience,” says Klaus Piprek, co-founder and director of Solo Studios. These experiences go further than the visual arts. Apart from the art exhibitions, there is so much more to enjoy in what has become known as Arts Town Riebeek Valley, encompassing the twin towns of Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West.
Prepare to be lured away from your planned art route by the aromas wafting from a coffee shop, by the scent of essential oils from the locally produced botanical range or by a tantalising wine tasting at some of the most acclaimed Swartland wine producers.
“As always, the Riebeek Valley will put on its best dress in anticipation of the influx of art aficionados to this prestigious event and visitors can expect a host of venues offering food experiences and wine tastings,” comments Shawn Hewitt, project manager for this year’s event. “Entertainers will flow onto the streets and pavements and creative community development projects will be showcased in plentiful fringe activities. Add to that the richness of local flavour from wine and olive producers, the abundance of restaurants, the village bakery and the profusion of craft and artisanal outlets.”
Winelands Philharmonic
“The best way to fully appreciate what we have to offer is to make a whole weekend of it,” Klaus advises. “There’s simply not enough time in one day to fully absorb all that Solo Studios and the valley have to offer.”
The record-breaking Solo Studios – Intimate Art Encounters event of 2022, with 183 art pieces sold, valued at R2.5 million, resulted in stiff competition to participate in this prestigious event. For the 2023 edition, 17 local artists were selected from the large number of worthy applications.
A highlight this year will be a charity fundraising concert by the Winelands Philharmonic Orchestra, which also features the Riebeek Kasteel Steelband.
ARTISTS AND EXHIBITIONS
Local artists (with collaborators):
Tamlin Blake (with the Keiskamma Art Project)
Solly Smook
Riaan van Zyl
Brett Shuman (with Linda Waterkeyn)
André François van Vuuren
Emma Willemse
Ade Kipades (with Hennie Meyer)
Andries Dirks (with Arno Morland)
Gordon Williams (with Paul Kristafor)
Wiehan de Jager (with Clayton Sutherland)
Kevan Moses (with Shui-Lyn White, Amy Moses)
Lizette Visser (with Ros Koch)
Louis Nel
Misha Hillier
Antoinette von Saurma
Sharon Bischoff
Dieter Wust
Galleries and exhibitions:
RK Contemporary
QStudio in partnership with Impendulo NPO at the Riebeek Valley Museum
Pictorex Photographic Gallery
Gallery 7 on Plein
Spier Arts Trust
The Royal Gallery
Private art collections:
Die Kunshuis (owners Mike & Lorna Spittal)
1 Royal Street Guest House (owners Ashley Stone & Antonio Tomazi)
For Solo Studio tickets and information, see www.solostudios.co.za, or call Shawn on 082 528 6785. There are a variety of pass options – from a Day Pass at R150, to a Premier Weekend Pass at R395 per person. Peripheral activities may incur a surcharge.
The scenic Riebeek Valley is less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town and other cultural centres such as Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. Accommodation in the two small towns is limited and patrons are strongly encouraged to book tickets and accommodation well in advance.
What: Solo Studios Intimate Art Encounters Riebeek Valley
When: 18 – 20 August 2023
Where: Riebeek Kasteel, Riebeek West Cape South Africa
Social media: Facebook, Instagram
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