Year 10 Art Trip

On Wednesday 07 August the Year 10 and 12 art students had the amazing opportunity to tour some of Cape Town’s best contemporary art galleries, guided by Ms Sutton. 

Arriving at the waterfront, we took time to admire some of the architecture and scenery, taking photos to reference in our art portfolios as we went. Our first proper stop was the Southern Guild gallery, showcasing three sculptor’s collections. We took the time to study the works, dealing with themes of masculinity, cultural heritage and the fluid natural forms of trees. Ms Sutton directed us on how to talk to gallery staff, and reminded us that we shouldn’t feel intimidated by the art world. 

We then moved on to the stunning Zeits Mocca, the gallery built within a hollowed set of grain silos, utilising their geometric forms as art itself. The gallery displayed contemporary art from artists of all walks of life and all artistic mediums. As we went Ms Sutton taught us about the various mediums, techniques and artists she was familiar with, helping us notice the distinct details of each piece. The works displayed a distinctly South African art scene: photography, videography and sculpture all challenged the ideas of normalcy and society within South Africa’s complex cultural web. The use of striking black and white, unorthodox photography and innovative video and audio projects was especially enchanting, and invaluable to experience as inspiration for our own future work. 

The chance to connect with the contemporary art scene as an art student was incredibly valuable, and the opportunity to do it together, unintimidated, was even more appreciated. The variety of art on display meant every student found at least a few pieces they loved or understood. 

A few hours later we left the gallery (after getting lost only once!) and headed to the waterfront to pick up some lunch. Sitting down after being on our feet for so long was a welcome rest, and we concluded our trip by sitting, eating and chatting, the perfect end to a lovely day. 

Thankyou Ms Sutton for organising this incredible and insightful trip, it definitely furthered our knowledge of the art world.

– Milene

-photos by various students