In February 2012, Timeless Africa Safaris organised and hosted a 7 day art and cultural program to South Africa (Johannesburg and Cape Town) for 65 International Friends of the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.
South Africa is home to some of the most ancient and beautiful art in the world as well as a host of diverse and challenging contemporary artists, who incorporate a mix of European, African and Asian influences.
The group explored this diversity with visits to collections in private homes, National and contemporary galleries, artists studios, historical monuments and natural sights which afforded the guests a wonderful overview of South African art and culture.
Some highlights of the trip:
– A welcome address by the Governor of the SA Reserve bank.
– A visit to William Kentridge’s Studio, the best known artist in South Africa and fast becoming a global favourite.
– A viewing and retrospective talk with the amazing Candice Breitz. Candice Breitz employs darkly humorous tactics to strike out at stereotypes represented in the media and popular culture.
– The Apartheid Museum where the story is told of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.
– A talk by Hector Pieterson’s sister, Antoinette at the memorial where 12 year old Hector Pieterson was shot on the 16th of June 1976.
– The Goodman Gallery with Mikhael Subotzky whose work has been exhibited in major galleries and museums around the world.
– A lunch hosted by Estelle Yach who has an outstanding collection of miniatures. The famous South African Artist Willie Bester joined the group amid his sculptures, displayed in the garden.
– A special dinner at the Castle of Good Hope in the Lady Anne Barnard ballroom, with ex-president FW de Klerk as guest speaker.
– A guided tour by the director of the Irma Stern Museum, one of the most important artists South Africa has ever produced.
– A visit to the Rupert Museum in Stellenbosch, set amongst picturesque vineyards and oak trees and regarded as the premier collection of contemporary South African art from the period 1940 to 1970.
– And finally, a dazzling farewell party hosted at the magnificent home of a well known Cape Town couple with Three Tons of Fun, Cape Town’s most loved all female group!
Many guests came earlier or stayed a few days longer to take advantage of a wonderful big five African safari in the Sabi Sand game reserve, staying at one of South Africa’s top luxury game lodges: Singita Lebombo, Londolozi and Simbambili.
This arts and cultural tour of South Africa allows for a completely different perspective of this incredible country. This experience can be tailored to suit groups or individual travellers and as always, we recommend starting or ending your trip off with a few nights in the African bush.