Zizipho Poswa’s Little Black Book of Cape Town

Zizipho Poswa is the kind of artist whose work you recognise before you know her name. As co-founder of Imiso Ceramics, she has helped shape the bold, contemporary voice of African ceramics, rooted in memory, heritage and the lived stories of women. Her latest solo exhibition, Imbeleko, considers the power of motherhood as an inherited gift, and was part of the Investec Cape Town Art Fair in February. With the spotlight on her evolving practice, we find out where in Cape Town Zizipho goes to feel inspired, restored or relaxed.

Galleries + artists

WHATIFTHEWORLD started out in a small space at the Old Biscuit Mill, but they’ve grown into a much bigger gallery in the city centre. I love their curatorial style and the mix of artists they represent – especially Athi-Patra Ruga. They give opportunities to up-and-coming artists too, and I’ve seen some amazing installations there.

Ebony would be the best place to go if you’re looking to start your art collection. They’ve got a nice representation of ceramics and paintings, and they focus on a lot of South African artists, as well as up-and-coming ones. They also have a beautiful branch in Franschhoek.

Southern Guild has been my representative gallery for 10 years. It’s one of the best galleries on the continent, with a representation of top South African artists and the diaspora.

I love Magdalene Odundo’s work. It’s ceramics, of course, and her very strong, elegant forms, and the way she represents North African arts, and where she comes from compared to where she is now, is really inspirational.

Mmangaliso Nzuza’s work is also beautiful. I enjoy his painting technique and his use of colour. His work is definitely on my list to collect. He is becoming quite known internationally, and highly in demand.

I also love Andile Dyalvane, my business partner and fellow ceramicist. We’ve worked together since 2006. He is an incredible sculptor and storyteller, and I get inspired by his work every day.

Zanela Muholi is an icon and an activist. I love the way her black-and-white images tell a story about LGBTQ and black queer communities. I’ve recently moved from an apartment to a house and there is a special wall for one of her pieces I’m eyeing.

Just being in Woodstock is inspiring. There’s Madoda Fani, Atang Tshikare, my good friend and talented fashion artist Onesimo Bam, and just Victoria Road itself. I normally drive, but when I walk, I see so many interesting, creative things: the vintage shops, the graffiti, the wood-carving guys. There are so many things to pick up and so many places to explore.

Restaurants + wine farms

I often go to D’Aria Winery because it is close to where I stay. They’ve got two beautiful restaurants there (The Terrace and Patina) and I just love the farm environment – the trees and the views. Patina has amazing seafood dishes and I usually go for their salmon with grilled veggies. The Terrace is perfect during the day, with beautiful natural light and glass all around. The prawns are my favourite, and they also have a great selection of wines and bubbles.

Kalky’s in Kalk Bay is amazing. I just love the fact that it’s not so serious and that you’ll always find fresh fish and chips.

Bobo’s in Mouille Point also serves great seafood. It was my mom’s favourite place before she passed, and she would take me there for my birthday. She loved their sandwiches and coffee and I still love their cheesecake and fresh summer salads. And the view! It’s a great place to visit. The service is great and I love the way they designed the space – beautiful and modern, with amazing finishes.

Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons in Franschhoek has my favourite red wine selection. I love rich, non-acidic, full-bodied red wines and their R&R Classique blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc is at the top of my list. Cavalli Estate in Somerset West has my favourite white wine range – especially their chenin blanc. They serve dinner there as well and it’s beautiful; I’m really keen to go back for that.

Out + about

Oranjezicht City Farm Market is one of my favourites. I’ll often have a salad there, and I love trying out new things. The last time I was there, there was this amazing stand that had freshly squeezed fruit juices. I tried about three different types and I was like: “This is going to be my place.”

There’s also a beautiful selection of arts and crafts; Monkeybiz, in particular, does amazing beadwork. I love that the market has smaller gifting items – and there is so much variety.

My partner recently took me to the Boschendal Friday Night Market. It’s challenging to get there because everybody is on their way home from work, but it’s still worth going. The market starts at five and ends at nine, but even if I spend an hour there, I’m happy. I love the variety of wines, and the vibe. They’ve got live performances and a picnic setup, so you can bring your blankets, get your food, sit down and listen to great music.

One of Cape Town’s best-kept secrets is a beautiful fragrance shack called Très Nagual near Cape Point. It’s a natural perfumery and I found the most amazing scents when I was there. I bought one that smells like thatch… They also make soaps and I just loved their range. Nearby is The Scone Shack, in a cute farmyard with animals and a rustic atmosphere. They have a special focus on delicious, freshly baked scones and cakes with tea, which I really enjoyed.

Karoo Moon Country Store is another hidden gem, next door to our gallery at the Old Biscuit Mill. I recently found pieces of Xhosa traditional wear there – vintage pieces from the 1940s. I wore some of their beautiful beads and skirts to the opening of Imbeleko; it’s rare to find such beautiful, detailed, hand-crafted, vintage work. Karoo Moon is owned and run by a mother and daughter duo, Desiree and Britney Ward-Smith, who have amazing customer service. They sell carefully selected pieces, from tribal art to jewellery sourced from all over Africa… and Desiree will go deep into the cabinet and find that special, one-of-a-kind piece.

We recently stayed at Cederkloof Botanical Retreat in Citrusdal. It’s one of my favourite places to immerse myself in nature with my family. The views are beautiful and there’s plenty of peace and quiet; I did some hiking and we found a lovely waterfall. Citrusdal is a beautiful, very hot place… I enjoyed being surrounded by nature and hearing the animals.

Then there’s Nima Lodge in Wilderness. We stayed in the Sun Cabin, which has spectacular mountain views and a wood-fired hot tub. There are on-site hiking trails leading to natural swimming pools and a waterfall.

We also recently discovered Shelley Point in St Helena Bay. I went to the beach with my daughter, but the water was extremely cold so I could not swim. I could just steep my feet and then run away! We stayed at De Gama Bay Holiday Units in Saint Helena Bay, where the ocean views are incredible. There is lots of development happening there, but we didn’t do much – just spent time at the beach and braaied at the place we stayed.

Finally, I love the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts. We recently attended the ALT BLK Collective with Msaki, Xhanti Nokwali, Muneyi, Zintle Mbuyazwe and KHNYSA. It was so amazing and we wish it had lasted longer.

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