I don’t know about you, but getting back into my work rhythm after December’s visit to Hermanus has been a struggle.
As I procrastinate getting back to the easel and get tipsy on lethargy, I take to my keyboard to reflect on my December adventures and my list of must-see galleries in Hermanus.
I highly recommend these Hermanus-based art galleries for your travel itinerary the next time you are in town.
Galleries to visit in Hermanus
Este Mostert Art Gallery
Este Mostert Art Gallery is a must-see destination on the Whale Route, especially if you are interested in seeing art from all around the country beautifully exhibited in a central location.
I spent 15 days here, calling it my temporary studio and meeting the most amazing people. On top of this, I would visit the beach each day after closing up. What an experience!
The Spencer Contemporary Art Gallery
I visited this gem of a gallery with Jumarie du Toit, a fellow local artist. We met up with artist and gallery owner, Coral Spencer, herself at The Spencer Contemporary Art Gallery.
If you are an ocean lover looking to introduce ocean scenes to your collection in a tasteful way, put this address into your GPS and pop in at The Spencer Contemporary Art Gallery: 5 Harbour Road, Hermanus, South Africa.
Rossouw Modern
Rossouw Modern showcases some of the finest South African contemporary artists and is one of my all-time favourite art galleries. Here I got to meet the owner, Jozua Rossouw and his passionate team.
From there, we went to a little classic gallery where we found the young artist, Jacques du Plessis in action behind his easel.
Walkerbay Modern
The highlight of my gallery tour of Hermanus was getting to experience Walker Bay Modern Art Gallery where Jay showed us around for almost an hour and passionately told us about each artist that interested us. I was especially in awe of Gail Catlin’s collection of wild dog bronze sculptures.
More highlights of my Hermanus stay
I must also be a bit self-indulgent and include some other highlights from my stay in Hermanus.
Basking like a clam on the rocks
After Jumarie and I explored nearly every gallery in Hermanus, we placed ourselves down on the rocks like two happy clams and enjoyed fish and chips with a side of chilled wine from the local wine region.
Meeting up with artist Hennie Niemann Snr
Hennie Niemann Snr is a true master of the art. What an experience to meet him! He showed us around, we experienced his studio and he made a few drawings whilst we were there. It was a privilege to get into his head, page with him through his book and listen to the stories he told about himself and his contemporaries like Gregoire Boonzaier (who also used to be his neighbour.)
My stay in Hermanus was an unforgettable time and 2022 ended off on a high note and with a filled cup – “The universe will fill your cup if you carry a big cup, a small cup or a thimble.” I have a good feeling that this inspiration will flow over into my works of art when I return to the easel.
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