Nestled in the charming village of Riebeek Kasteel, the upcoming Solo Studios again transform this hub for creativity into a unique art experience from 9-11 August. With its focus on artisanal excellence and collaborative exploration, Solo Studios invites you to experience a space where every project transforms into a masterpiece, reflecting both the beauty of its surroundings and the boundless spirit of creative ingenuity.
Studio Strolls: Intimate Encounters with local artists
One of the hallmarks of Solo Studios is the opportunity to get up close and personal with the talent. This year’s participating studio solo artists include Sharon Bischoff, Wiehan de Jager, Ade Kipades, Solly Smook, André François van Vuuren, Riaan van Zyl, Emma Willemse, Lizette Visser, Kevan Moses, Paul Kristafor, Wiehan de Jager, Gordon Williams, Sharon Bischoff, Andries Dirks, Carin Dorrington, JP Meyer, Katja Abbott, Louis Nel, Julia Buss and Peter Steere.
Visiting an artist’s solo studio presents a unique opportunity to engage with art in a new way, learning more about the creator, conceptualisation and process – one that often compels an art lover to become an art buyer.
The South African art market has been growing steadily which makes the 2024 edition of Solo the idea opportunity to finding an art of future value.
Gallery-Studded Streets
Riebeek Kasteel is a tiny town with a huge creative heart. Its 6 square kilometres of beautiful fields, mountain views and quaint country roads are home to many artists, and the community’s love and reverence for art is reflected in its thriving gallery scene. This year’s list of participating galleries includes RK Contemporary Gallery, Gallery 7, Pictorex, 1 Royal Guesthouse (a lovely local guesthouse and co-sponsor of Solo Studios), Die Kunshuis and Rasa/Q Studio. Take the opportunity to stroll through the galleries in this walkable town, and view the collections of local artists along with those who wish they could call this town home.
Nothing whips up an appetite quite like gallery shuffling, and Riebeek Kasteel offers many restaurants and cafes where visitors can fuel up, for breakfast, lunch, dinner and in-between. Pop into the Valley Deli for gourmet sandwiches and salads, La Parilla for Latin-inspired fare or enjoy a more leisurely meal at French brasserie Au Bouchon Rouge, a touch of Paris in the Riebeek Valley. Open from breakfast through dinner, The Barn is known for its relaxed outdoor seating with epic mountain views, friendly service and Mediterranean and grilled specialties. And for scenic G&T’s, the veranda at the historic Royal Hotel, the oldest hotel in the Western Cape, is the best local spot.
Just down the road near sister town Riebeek West is Marras, which has a wood-fired pizza oven and a menu of hearty Italian dishes.
Click here for ticket sales.
The Curtain Rises
This year, Solo Studios is going way beyond the canvas to showcase a variety of performing arts, taking place day and night including poetry and music ensembles. Fresh off the heels of a successful run on the London stage, Winner of The Special Jury award at the Bitesize Theatre Festival in London, multidisciplinary artist, writer and performer Aldo Brincat will give two performances of his solo theatre smash hit The Moon Looks Delicious From Here, which recently garnered a Special Jury Award at the Bitesize Theatre Festival in London. The one-man show is a dynamic semi-biographical retelling of a relationship between a loving father and son, against the backdrop of South Africa’s ever-changing political landscape.
Along with his participation as an exhibiting artist at Pictorex, observational photographer, poet and producer Rudolph Willemse will bring his production of Swartland to Solo Studios, featuring Afrikaans poetry from his third volume of poetry. Swartland is about the Swartland region, but it is also symbolic of the country, the world at large and the poet’s own state of mind. It is a rather dark place, characterised by load shedding, crime and corruption…. but it also speaks of love, vulnerability and coming to terms with change, old age and an imperfect world. The show is underpinned by humour, irony and satire. Willemse’s previous volume of poetry received acclaim when performed in past Solo Studio events, and Swartland promises to be a continuation of this artistic journey, in collaboration with seasoned talents such as well-known actor Marcel van Heerden and Schalk Joubert, internationally acclaimed bassist, composer, and producer.
The Winelands Philharmonic Orchestra will perform a concert featuring internationally renowned South African violinist Eriel Huang. Works to be performed include Saint-Saëns’ Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso in A minor, with Huang as guest soloist; Copland’s Appalachian Spring, originally composed for the Martha Graham ballet in 1945; and Arturo Márquez’s “Danzón No. 2,” a piece that diverges from modernist tendencies and draws inspiration from the composer’s painter and dancer friends. With the orchestra also collaborating with the Riebeek Valley Steelband, the concert aims to celebrate the richness of our local talent and the vibrant landscape of the Riebeek Valley.
Also hitting the stage will be singer songwriter Wren Hinds, a Cape Town-based artist who recently signed a full record deal with the iconic UK-based record label Bella Union.
Click here for tickets for the concert only and Sunday pass and concert (page down).
The art of perfection: chasing the perfect bubbly
“The Art of Perfection” takes you on a journey through the diverse world of Kaap Klassiek and Methode Ancestral sparkling wines. This interactive event offers a unique lineup showcasing different styles, providing a captivating comparison between contemporary expressions and their matured counterparts. Discover the intricate nuances and evolving profiles that define each style, gaining a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind these sparkling delights. Engage in a fun, fact-finding adventure, where you’ll uncover the secrets of winemaking, the art of aging, and the significance of selecting older vintages.
Venue: The Co-Op
Date: Friday, 9 and Saturday, 10 August
Time: 16h00 – 18h00
Entry fee: R775
Tickets: Click here for more information and ticket sales
Vintage cinema
Cinephiles are in for a treat. Riaan van Zyl has long been mesmerized by the artful dance of layered imagery. His journey through the world of moving pictures led him to Marco Pellis, a revered steward of cinema’s purest essence. Marco boasts an unparalleled collection of rare, vintage films, each lovingly restored and preserved, and occasionally unveiled to discerning audiences.
We invite you to an exclusive event featuring a curated selection of four short original vintage films, presented on a museum-quality film projector. This cinematic experience will be exquisitely complemented by a four-course finger-style menu and hand-crafted wines from Leeuwenkuil Family Vineyards. Join us for an evening where classic film and fine dining converge in perfect harmony.
Venue: Riaan van Zyl Studio
Date: Saturday, 10 August
Time: 18h00
Entry fee: R575 per person
Capacity: 20 people –Space is very limited & booking is essential.
For bookings: Contact 082 820-0333 or antonio@solostudios.co.za
The nights of long tables
This years’ edition also features a jam-packed lineup of culinary delights. Look out for the following feed experiences.
Arbeidsgenot embraces the theme “Fruits of Your Labour,” translates their name, Arbeidsgenot, presenting an exquisite dining experience featuring Boere Fusion Cuisine. This unique culinary journey celebrates the rich flavors and traditions of South African fare, creatively reimagined for a contemporary palate. The menu is also having 5 wines that would be paired with the food, Arbeidsgenot wines, as well as a welcome drink on arrival.
Dates: Friday, 9 August, 18h00 for 18h30
Bookings: antonio@solostudios.co.za
The Royal Hotel and Kamar Biru present a typically Dutch Indonesian Rijsttafel, including 15 dishes presented in three parts.
Dates: Thursday, 8, Saturday, 9 and Sunday, 10 August, 19h00
Bookings: antonio@solostudios.co.za
A Mid-Winter’s Italian Feast with Giuseppe & Panera offers a delightful culinary experience at The Night of Long Tables. This event invites guests to indulge in a heartwarming and tummy-pleasing Italian dinner, crafted by the talented Giuseppe in collaboration with Panera. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant Solo Studios, this feast promises an evening of authentic Italian flavors and a convivial atmosphere, making it a memorable highlight of the festival.
Date: Friday, 9 August, 18h30
Ticket: R695 per person
Bookings: +27 62 433 4455 or info@paneras.co.za
Go for Gold, A Lifetime Tasting of the Swartland’s Finest 100 – Pointers
Wine enthusiasts are invited to a conversation and wine tasting: Go for Gold, a prestigious event showcasing the Swartland’s most acclaimed wines. This exclusive tasting features legendary 100-point wines such as Mev Kirsten 2019, Porseleinberg 2018, and Skurfberg, among others.Join Anton Espost from the Winecollective on a journey through these exceptional vintages, accompanied by his sommelier assistant and prestigious writer, Jacques Paauw, who will share their expertise and insights on what not to do when experiencing fine wines, adding depth and intrigue to the tasting experience.
Cost: R750 p.p
Dates: 10, Saturday and 11, Sunday August,11h00 – 13h00
Contact: Antonio at 082 820 0333 or email antonio@solostudios.co.za
More information
The full Solo Studios 2024 programme is available online and you can click here for accommodation in and around town are available here.
Solo Studios is brought to you by Geddes Capital and 1 Royal Street Guesthouse.