Exciting art and culture with Solo Studios 2024

Now in its eighth year, the annual Solo Studios Art and Culture Hub continues to thrive, bringing a unique and intimate art experience to Riebeek Valley from Friday, August 9, to Sunday, August 11. This year’s event promises to be an extraordinary feast for the artistic senses, featuring thirty-three talented artists, five galleries, five live performances, and a series of gourmet long-table events. This is indeed a celebration of Art and Community.

Ashley Stone, co-owner and co-project manager of Solo Studios, highlights the intimate nature of the event as its greatest attraction. “Visitors can have an intimate art encounter with the artworks and the artists themselves in their own creative workspaces. It’s a chance to enjoy inspiring connections and even return home with personal art investments,” says Stone. The event showcases the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and creativity of the Riebeek Valley, supported by a friendly community that values the arts.

There will be diverse artistic talent. The thirty-three featured solo artists reflect the diverse talent in the Riebeek Valley, ranging from painters to mixed media artists to ceramicists. Notable participants this year include Sharon Bischoff, Wiehan de Jager, Ade Kipades, Solly Smook, André François van Vuuren, Riaan van Zyl, and Emma Willemse. The participating galleries include RK Contemporary Gallery, Gallery 7, Pictorex, 1 Royal Guesthouse, and Die Kunshuis.

This year’s Solo Studios will feature various culturally vibrant activities alongside the core art offerings. The Night of Long Tables will include several gourmet food events curated by well-known Riebeek Kasteel residents, artist and culinary maestro Louis Jaanse Van Vuuren and chef and stylist Isabella Niehaus. Enhanced with wine pairings from Swartland producers, these dinners promise a gastronomic celebration that marries local farm-fresh produce with exquisite table settings and community-building over shared meals.

A highlight of this year’s event is multidisciplinary artist Aldo Brincat’s two performances of his solo theatre hit, “The Moon Looks Delicious Here,” fresh from a successful run in London. Additionally, performer and poet Rudolph Willemse will present “Swartland,” featuring his acclaimed Afrikaans poetry, collaborating with actor Marcel van Heerden, drummer David Wickham, and sound artist Warrick Swinney. Other performers include The Winelands Philharmonic Orchestra and singer-songwriter Wren Hinds, who recently signed with the UK-based record label Bella Union.

Brent Geddes, Co-Founder and CEO of event partner Geddes highlights the transformative power of creativity, stating, “Our association with Solo Studios reaffirms our belief in the transformative power that creativity has to enrich our community and inspire change.”

Mark your calendar for this unique celebration of art.