Cape Town, South Africa, has an art scene unlike anywhere else. When I visited recently, I was moved by the colorful art works, which express unity and pride in a city once ruled by Apartheid.
The street art movement is centered in Woodstock, a former slum that has become a living canvas. Global artists have painted the walls of the homes in this area with eclectic imagery: an elephant, a tug-of-war, a caveman.
I visited design studios and spoke to innovators working in a range of mediums. Many use their talents to give back, such as Missibaba, a leather designer who employs craftswomen from townships. Others convey socio-political messages, like Ralph Ziman’s photography of beaded guns that speak out against the arms trade.
Cape Town’s restaurants and nightlife are also filled with color. I was surprised to see a steampunk coffee shop and a gay bar decorated like a hot pink diner from the 1950s.
See more of La Carmina’s stories about South Africa on her blog. http://www.lacarmina.com/blog/
Disclaimer: La Carmina and her travel TV crew were hosted by Cape Town Tourism.
The Bo-Kaap district is easy to spot, with its row of painted homes. This is the traditional neighborhood of the Cape Malay community.
Faldela Tolker lives inside the purple house and runs a cooking school. She taught me how to make Cape Malay dishes like tomato bredie stew and koesisters, a traditional doughnut.
A sleepy silver dog guards the entrance of Woodstock Exchange or WEX. This industrial building is filled with hip design studios and shops.
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