A WEEK IN CAPE TOWN WITH THEEARTSYTYPE
Day one- Bokaap
Living in Cape Town has exposed me to many new experiences and places. The first is the area of Bokaap. It's a small settlement in Cape Town commonly known as a Malay qaurter. The area is well known for its multi-coloured homes and cobble stone streets. It is rich with culture and diversity, with homes owned by Muslim communities who have lived here for more than 300 years.
ITS multifaceted heritage is reflected through music, dance, its festivals and food.
One of the neighborhood's common rituals take place during Ramadan , after sundown where neighbours share plates of food. There is a strong sense of neighborliness and community in Bokaap.
One of the neighborhood's common rituals take place during Ramadan , after sundown where neighbours share plates of food. There is a strong sense of neighborliness and community in Bokaap.
Yet, issues such as gentrification plague the area. Many question whether urban planning is happening at the expense of dispossessed Cape Town residents. Only through conversations, incentives and strategic solutions can these issue be resolved, to allow for preservation of the existing culture and ways of life in Bokaap.
Yet, despite these circumstances, residents are able to continue with their everyday lives, whilst engaging with one another and passing tourists in the cultural hub that is Bokaap.
I would recommend this area for anyone visiting Cape Town, who is interested in learning about new cultures and traditions.
Love and light,
T
Another favorite was Zanele Muholi the visual activist tells a compelling narrative of black queers in South Africa through a series of black and white portraits, which critique perceptions of blackness and the darkening of skin.
Love and light,
T
Day two- Zeitz MOCAA
Interior view from lobby area
THE second location being published for the article titled A week in Cape Town is the Zeitz MOCAA. The new museum deidcated to contemporary Art from Africa, is a phenomenal catalyst for artistic work in the African diaspora.
View to Zeitz MOCAA
The structure situated near V&A waterfront was once a grain silos factory. Owing to this architect Thomas Heatherwick decided to transform into a concave structure with rock cave walls. The organic space carved out of concrete to replicate a grain silo, through digital mapping and manipulation.
Ceiling in museum
Zanele Muholi's black and white series.
Despite the museum's direction towards promoting African people's realities and social issues, the fact that it was established by a majority of non-Africans remains questionable.
IN essence, it proves that Western institutions are slowly recognizing that Africa is worth investing in, but we've always known that. However, for Africans to also benefit, this would mean that concious thinking, dual ownership, and an accurate representation of Africa must be produced.
Love and light,
T
Day three- Archi life
TO wrap up the article a week in Cape Town, I thought I'd touch home and write about the degree I'm currently undertaking. For the past two years its taken up most of my time,but my friends will be the first to tell you that i avoid being in my building any chance I get.Yet, as much as you try you can't escape the all nighters, lack of sleep and caffeinated drinks. But there's always that divine intervention that tells you to keep going.
Here's a short Q and A about my choice of study
1.WHY architecture?
2.What's next after this degree?
1.After high school I had no idea what I wanted to study. I ended up taking a gap year.During this time I got to travel to Paris and Joburg for the first time. In Paris I'd spend most of my days strolling through the streets and visiting museums.While in the contrasting backstreets of Joburg I was inspired by the richness,diversity and culture that the city had to offer. Both cities and its architecture inspired me and that's the answer to the big why.
2.I like to think that this degree allowed me to discover the canvas of my life. Almost like base to play with, challenge and express myself with. There's still so much that I plan to do.
What's next will be a factor, to the final product.
Love and light,
T
Here's a short Q and A about my choice of study
1.WHY architecture?
2.What's next after this degree?
1.After high school I had no idea what I wanted to study. I ended up taking a gap year.During this time I got to travel to Paris and Joburg for the first time. In Paris I'd spend most of my days strolling through the streets and visiting museums.While in the contrasting backstreets of Joburg I was inspired by the richness,diversity and culture that the city had to offer. Both cities and its architecture inspired me and that's the answer to the big why.
2.I like to think that this degree allowed me to discover the canvas of my life. Almost like base to play with, challenge and express myself with. There's still so much that I plan to do.
What's next will be a factor, to the final product.
Love and light,
T