artHARARE Partners with The Silo Hotel in Cape Town to Showcase bold exhibitions by emerging Zimbabwean Artists

by Staff Writer

artHARARE recent exhibition at the Silo Vault featuring a solo presentation of the works of Wilfred Timire

Zimbabwe's foremost art platform, artHARARE, has partnered with The Silo Hotel to present bold exhibitions by contemporary artists from Zimbabwe and its diaspora. This collaboration will see artHARARE showcasing a dynamic program of exhibitions at The Silo Hotel, further establishing the venue as a beacon for contemporary African art.

The Silo Hotel, perched atop a former grain silo overlooking the V&A Waterfront, is a destination in itself. The hotel, which spans six floors, offers guests a unique experience akin to living in a modern art museum, complete with some of the best views in Cape Town. The hotel’s commitment to art is evident from the moment one steps into its ground floor entrance, which features colorful artworks from its collection, including commissioned pieces by artists such as Frances Goodman, Jody Paulsen, and Pierre Carl Vermeulen.

Opening of a Gungano, a group show at the Silo Vault (image courtesy of The Silo Hotel)

ArtHARARE’s partnership with The Silo Hotel will bring a program of exhibitions highlighting the work of contemporary Zimbabwean artists. Notably, works by Franklyn Dzingai, Wilfred Timire and Richard Mudariki are already part of The Silo Hotel’s collection. Recently, Wilfred Timire's piece "The Players" was installed on the hotel’s rooftop, a striking location featuring a glass-sided swimming pool that offers 360-degree views of the city.

The proximity of The Silo Hotel to Zeitz MOCAA, Cape Town’s celebrated new Museum of Contemporary African Art, adds another layer of cultural richness to the guest experience. Guests can take full advantage of this proximity, as nightly rates at The Silo Hotel include entrance to the museum, with the option for private tours via a secret entrance on the hotel’s fourth floor.

A tour of the Silo Hotel art collection and the Vault by art Concierge Michael Jacobs.

(Video courtesy of The Silo Hotel instagram @thesilohotel_)

A unique feature of The Silo Hotel is The Vault, a private subterranean art gallery designed to make creative use of the hotel’s private parking level. The Vault acts as a link between the hotel and local galleries in Cape Town, emphasizing The Silo’s passion for art. This industrial space is transformed into a captivating exhibition backdrop, evolving into a representation of each artist’s work and creating a compelling art tour opportunity for the hotel guests and visitors alike.

Previous exhibitions by artHARARE at The Vault include "Mavambo," featuring the work of Franklyn Dzingai, and a curated group exhibition, "Gungano," which was part of the Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2024 VIP program. "Gungano" showcased works by Da Halter, Lionel Mbayiwa, Tafadzwa Gwetai, Sindiso Nyoni, Farai Englebretch, George Masarira, Anusa Selanje, and Option Dzikamai Nyahunzvi. Currently showing is a curated solo exhibition by emerging Zimbabwean contemporaray artist Wilfred Timire.

Wilfred Timire work 'The Players' installation at the Silo Hotel Rooftop that has stunning views of Cape Town.

This partnership between artHARARE and The Silo Hotel not only highlights the vibrant art scene of Zimbabwe and its diaspora, but also reinforces Cape Town’s status as a hub for contemporary African art. Through this collaboration, both entities aim to bring more visibility to the incredible talent emerging from Zimbabwe, offering hotel guests and art enthusiasts alike a chance to engage with thought-provoking and visually stunning works.