Events
We are more than just an art residency; we’re also a vibrant space for ad hoc cultural events that foster dialogue, interaction, and exploration. Our events include, but are not limited to, exhibitions, art fairs, cooking classes, outreach programs, community and school tours, workshops, and collaborative projects with local organisations. We also host mentorship programs, educational talks, and advocacy events that engage the broader community.
Our gallery is open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11H00 AM to 14H00 PM, as well as by appointment. We showcase emerging South African artists, and most of the time, the artists are present during the gallery's opening hours.
Dac On Dorp Art Flea Market
As a space designed to uplift and empower local artists, the flea market provides an accessible opportunity for creatives to exhibit and sell their work while engaging with a wider audience.
Bringing together a variety of artists, designers, and makers, the event celebrates the richness of local artistry, making original pieces more accessible to the public. From paintings and prints to handmade crafts and unique designs, the market offers a carefully curated selection that reflects the city’s dynamic creative scene.
With an emphasis on community and artistic exchange, Dac On Dorp serves as more than just a marketplace—it is a cultural hub where art lovers and emerging talents connect, share ideas, and celebrate creativity in an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Join us on the 29th March 2025!
Date: Saturday, 29 March 2025
Address: 73 Dorp Street, Bo-Kaap, Cape Town
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Artworks priced at R 4,000 and less
Discover and support local talent while finding unique and affordable art pieces to add to your collection!
The INKUMBULO exhibition opened with an emotional and thought-provoking showcase, drawing audiences into a deeply personal exploration of loss, grief, and vulnerability. Through a powerful body of work, Andile Bhala invites viewers to engage with themes of memory and healing, using photography as a medium to express the often unspoken pain of personal and collective experiences. The exhibition serves as a visual meditation on remembrance—how we hold onto the past, how we process grief, and how vulnerability can be a source of both pain and catharsis.
The opening night was an inspiring moment, bringing together artists, photographers, and art lovers who immersed themselves in Andile’s work. The atmosphere was filled with reverence and curiosity, as guests moved through the space, engaging with each image and reflecting on their own interpretations of memory and loss. It was more than just an exhibition—it was a shared experience, one that encouraged people to confront emotions that are often left in the shadows.
PHOTOWALK: Andile Bhala x FujiFilm x Instax
The photowalk, hosted in collaboration with Fujifilm & Instax, was an unforgettable experience that blended creative exploration with community engagement. Guided by Andile Bhala, the session took photographers on a journey through the vibrant and historically rich neighborhood of Bo-Kaap, Cape Town.
What made this photowalk so special was the diverse group of participants—from first-time photographers to seasoned professionals—all coming together to share in the joy of capturing the world through their lenses. As they wandered through the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap, they documented the architecture, textures, and everyday moments that make the area so visually compelling.
Fujifilm’s presence added an exciting hands-on element to the experience, with photographers getting to experiment with Instax instant cameras and Fujifilm digital models. The instant prints from the Instax cameras added a unique touch, allowing participants to see their captured moments come to life in seconds. It was a true celebration of photography—not just as a technical craft, but as a way of seeing and connecting with the world.
INKUMBULO: Walkabout
One of the most impactful moments of the exhibition was the walkabout session, where attendees had the opportunity to experience INKUMBULO through the artist’s own voice. Led by Andile Bhala, the session provided an intimate look at the depth and intention behind the works, offering a rare glimpse into the stories and emotions that shaped the project.
The discussion touched on the deeply personal origins of the images, with Andile sharing insights into how photography became a vessel for processing grief. Attendees were encouraged to ask questions, engage in dialogue, and reflect on their own encounters with loss, creating a space where vulnerability was welcomed and embraced. The walkabout wasn’t just about the technical aspects of photography—it was about the power of imagery to hold and transform emotions, to honor those we have lost, and to remind us of the fragility and beauty of life.
Panel Discussion: FRAMING THE SELF. ‘The Power of Self-Portraiture in Storytelling and Healing’
The panel discussion, titled FRAMING THE SELF: The Power of Self-Portraiture in Storytelling and Healing, was a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant conversation moderated by Manyatsa Monyamane. The discussion featured an esteemed panel, including Andile Bhala, Lindeka Qampi, and Quaniet Abrahams from Shoot4Purpose, each bringing unique insights into the role of self-portraiture in personal and collective narratives.
Key Topics & Insights from the Panel:
Andile Bhala shared personal reflections on using photography as a means of self-exploration, discussing how self-portraiture has been a tool for understanding grief and embracing vulnerability. He spoke about the delicate balance between exposing personal pain and reclaiming power through imagery.
Lindeka Qampi, known for her intimate and deeply personal photographic work, emphasized the importance of self-portraiture in reclaiming agency. She highlighted how photographing oneself is an act of defiance, a way of telling one's own story without the mediation of others.
Quaniet Abrahams (Shoot4Purpose) explored how self-portraiture can be used as a catalyst for healing, particularly within marginalised communities. He spoke about the role of photography in creating narratives that challenge dominant perspectives and validate personal experiences.
'INKUMBULO' BY ANDILE BHALA
'INKUMBULO' BY ANDILE BHALA
INKUMBULO EXHIBITION OPENING
21 FEBRUARY - 19 APRIL 2025
‘INKUMBULO’
A solo Exhibition by Andile Bhala
Opening 21st February 2025, Dac On Dorp
We are delighted to invite you to the opening of Inkumbulo, a powerful and introspective body of work by Andile Bhala, which explores the depths of grief, vulnerability, and healing through the lens of self-portraiture.
Inkumbulo reflects a personal journey of loss, transformation, and emotional reckoning. Through the intimate act of photographing himself, Bhala delves into his own experience, capturing the complex interplay of pain, joy, doubt, and healing. Each frame is a question, an answer, a moment of deep reflection—an exploration of the self as both subject and healer.
This exhibition offers a unique perspective on grief, where the artist examines the notion of vulnerability, the process of letting go, and the search for healing. Inkumbulo is not just a record of personal loss but an invitation to reflect on the universal experience of navigating emotional turmoil, and the quiet strength that comes with self-exploration.
Join us on the 21 February 2025 at Dac On Dorp during the Investec Cape Town Art Fair weekend for the opening of this deeply moving exhibition. Experience a transformative journey through the lens of Andile Bhala and witness the power of photography as a tool for both artistic expression and personal healing.
We look forward to welcoming you.
ART FLEA MARKET
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon filled with creativity, inspiration, and the vibrant energy of Cape Town’s thriving art community!
This exciting event brings together a curated selection of unique artworks created by some of the most talented artists in the city. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a passionate art enthusiast, or simply in search of a meaningful and one-of-a-kind holiday gift, the Art Flea Market at DAC On Dorp is the perfect destination for you.
WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND:
Explore a Variety of Artworks:
From stunning paintings to captivating photographs and more, there’s something to suit every taste.
Affordable and Accessible:
All artworks are priced at R3,000 or less, offering you an incredible opportunity to support local talent without breaking the bank.
Holiday Shopping Made Special:
Discover thoughtful, handcrafted pieces that make perfect gifts for friends, family, or even yourself.
Let’s celebrate art together. Bring your friends and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of artistic expression and community spirit. Be part of a movement that champions local talent and keeps Cape Town’s creative energy alive.
Don’t miss out on this exciting debut event! Mark your calendar, spread the word, and join us at DAC On Dorp on 20 December 2024, 16H00 - 19H00.
For more information or updates, follow us on Instagram @dacondorp
A group show by Collen Mfazwe & Andile Bala
IMISINDO NEZINDLELA
We are pleased to announce the opening of “Imisindo Nezindlela” – Sounds and Paths: Reflecting the intersection of music (sounds) and the personal journeys of Identity and Transformation (paths) by the artists in residency, Andile Bhala and Collen Mfazwe.
Andile Bhala born in Soweto, South Africa is a Fujifilm Ambassador and works predominantly in documentary photography and as a commercial photographer. He is also a photography lecturer and facilitator. Bhala won a few photography awards and was a finalist at the Thami Mnyele Fine Arts Awards. His work focuses on his upbringing and reflections on various communities within contemporary South Africa. He is driven by a deep passion to tell real stories with all their layered complexities.
Bhala’s uBUDODA series was exhibited as part of his incubator program at the Market Photo Workshop in 2018. This series was also exhibited at the Addis Ababa Foto Fest in 2018. His ‘God Moves’ series was exhibited at the Arles International Festival in 2023 and 2024.
Collen Mfazwe was born in Benoni, South Africa. He is a Johannesburg-based photographer and filmmaker. Mfazwe completed a Visual Art course through the Curriculum Development Project (CDP) in 2012 and has since been deeply committed to effecting change in his community. His community work includes involvement with various organizations, where he advocates for safe spaces and addresses issues affecting the LGBTQI+ community and women. Collen’s artistic journey has taken him to various artist residencies and group exhibitions in cities such as Oslo, Berlin, Zurich, and Amsterdam.
‘UNMASKING REALITIES’
Realities are experienced individually and collectively. To function in today’s societies, we are forced to put on masks and hide our true selves. Unmasking and being authentic could be very helpful to establish human connections, relate to each other’s realties and understand individual truth. Drawing on this understanding the three artists in residence examine masked connections and experiences through their individual lenses to shine light on this phenomenon.
As an artist, Kabelo Moraloki, strives to capture the beauty and complexity of the world around him through his creations, His work reflects his fascination with the intersections between art, culture and humanity, and his desire to explore and understand the world through visual representation. He draws inspiration from the natural world, as well as from the different cultures and traditions that he encounters on his journey, each of his artworks depict a unique narrative from his personal experience or the experience of others. His creative process is deeply reflective and experimental, He often finds himself experimenting with different materials and techniques in order to archive the desired effect. His artworks are characterized by bold colours, intricate patterns and abstract shapes, all of which come together to create a vivid dream-like world that invites viewers to explore and contemplate.
Yvette Hughes was born in Wellington, a small town just outside of Cape Town, in South Africa. Through the years, Yvette has always been attracted to creativity, whether in the form of music, architecture or acting. While never seeing herself as a visual artist, this all changed when settling back into life in South Africa after living abroad in Dubai for many years. Growing up in a small town, her exposure to the big city life of Johannesburg and Dubai made an imprint on her style and way of thinking. Starting off with experimenting with simple doodles, these lines and circles soon morphed into complex forms and her black line drawings took on a life of their own. Yvette combines her appreciation for the smallest and most seemingly trivial detail that surrounds our lives to create mesmerizing yet calming pieces that are inspired by subject matter surrounding her.
Originally from the DR Congo, Hugo Kabeya migrated to South Africa as a four-year-old in 2007 with his family, seeking better conditions and opportunities. Years into his arrival in South Africa, Hugo took part in an art therapy program through the Butterfly Art Project in 2012. The program showed him how art could be used as a means of expression, helped him deal with and overcome his childhood trauma of being an immigrant and much later start him off on his journey into pursuing art. Hugo’s practice focuses on a majority of themes but essentially on thorough re-examinations of the legacies of violent pasts and their impact on the world today, with sub-themes such as postcolonialism, socio-political, and socioeconomic issues such as wars, conflict, displacement, cultural identity, tribalism, and depression.
‘LIFELINES’
HUGO KABEYA & KIM SAULSE
The artist Hugo Kebaya examines in his “Digging For Riches” series the impact of illegal mineral mining in the DRC, with specific reference to cobalt. Despite its richness in natural resources, the country remains destitute with the forced eviction of entire communities, grievous human rights abuses, and wars started by vigilante groups over mineral-rich territories.
His pieces explore the fine lines between what is socially acceptable looking at the technological devices one holds today and the means by which they were made, that being exploitation, child labour, and the abuse of human rights. The paintings may depict exuberant and colourful images, however, they have a dark undertone to it.
Originally from the DR Congo, Hugo migrated to South Africa as a four-year-old in 2007 with his family, seeking better conditions and opportunities. Years into his arrival in South Africa, Hugo took part in an art therapy program through the Butterfly Art Project in 2012. The program showed him how art could be used as a means ofexpression, helped him deal with and overcome his childhood trauma of being an immigrant and much later start him off on his journey into pursuing art.
“Presently his work centres around the human body and its relationship to trauma caused by many factors under related to post-colonialism, socio-political and socioeconomic issues such as wars, conflict, displacement, cultural identity, tribalism, depression...etc. The main idea being how individuals in around Africa handle their different traumas through what he likes to call the ‘African Experience’.
Presently, at 20 years old, he explores new frontiers with his work and makes a way for himself in the vast art world. Having been mentored by experts such as the former head of education at Zeitz MOCAA, Richard Kilpert, and gallerist and former director of Gallery Momo, Igsaan Martin, Hugo is actively opening conversations with his work and adding to his showcasing CV and experience.
HUGO KABEYA
KIM SAULSE
In her series “Between The Lines” the artist, Kim Saulse combines her background in journalism with photography and depicts people in public spaces spotlighting their beauty, resilience and humanness. Focusing on predominately bustling platforms at train stations and overcrowded carriages where the livelihoods, ambitions and struggles of the masses intersect against the backdrop of ever-present social and economic inequalities. Here, stubborn legacies of the past challenge the uncertainties of the present and past.
Saulse combines her background in journalism with photography to document the wonder of the human experience and examine social issues. She is especially passionate about sharing the stories of marginalised people, who often go unseen and unheard.
#SHOOT4PURPOSE
This exhibition captures the art of black and white photography through the lens of featured artists, sharing unique insights and personal perspectives.
Shoot4Purpose was founded by a passionate team of photography professionals and enthusiasts with the mission to inspire change and healing through the art of photography. This transformative street photography initiative empowers women who have experienced trauma by combining photography skills development with personal healing and empowerment. The goal is to rebuild self-confidence and open new pathways for life.
Immerse yourself in inspirational journeys, thought-provoking conversations, and authentic creativity. For more information about shoot4purpose, follow them on Instagram at @shoot4purpose.
Part of this exhibition includes photo walks with Shoot4Purpose:
Dive into the vibrant tapestry of Bo-Kaap with Shoot4Purpose and Dac on Dorp. Join us for a captivating photo walk through the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap and immerse yourself in its rich cultural mosaic and history.
WHEN: Saturday, 27 April and Saturday, 4 May 2024
PHOTO WALK: 09:30 AM - 11:00 AM
MEETING POINT: 73 Dorp Street, Bo-Kaap
A solo Exhibition by Noluthando Mbuyisa
Noluthando Mbuyisa, artistically known as Dlozi.M, was born in the small village of Egunjaneni in Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Dlozi.M grew up in Gauteng, where she completed her fine art degree and established herself as an art facilitator and teacher in art and design. Her work, guided by spiritual insight, blends creativity with storytelling. Dlozi.M’s ability to use various techniques in her 2D art is remarkable, and as a witness to her journey, it has been a blessing to observe her growth and passion for creativity, as well as her ability to see beyond the ordinary.
Her art is strongly influenced by Impressionism, Expressionism, color layering, African cultures, Ester Mahlangu’s work, and beadwork. These influences are deeply connected to her calling as a healer and her spiritual life, which play a significant role in the conceptualization and creation of her pieces. Her recent works combine painting and beadwork, where the beads symbolize emotions and spiritual energies, reflecting the dynamic nature of African life.
Dlozi.M’s use of beadwork as a visual language speaks to the heart and soul of spiritualism and diversity. White and blue beads often appear in her art, representing Isithunywa (Spiritual Messengers) and water spirits, with water symbolising life and her therapeutic spiritual space. She uses art as a tool for mental and spiritual healing, with the purpose of educating, inspiring, and enlightening others.
As Dlozi.M continues her spiritual journey, her art remains guided by God, Isithunywa (Prayer Warriors), and her royal ancestral spirits. For more of her captivating work, visit her Instagram @dlozi.m.
Group Exhibition by Lulu Mhlana and Noluthando Mbuyisa
Formal Launch of Dac On Dorp Art Residency and Gallery with a Group Exhibition featuring Two Queer Artists from the Muholi Art Institute: Lulu Mhlana and Noluthando Mbuyisa
We are excited to formally launch our art residency and gallery with a group exhibition featuring two queer artists Lulu Mhlana and Noluthando Mbuyisa.
Lulu Mhlana uses photography to explore themes of identity, intimacy, and the black body. Her Ubumnyama Bam (My Blacknesss) self-portrait series, begun in 2019, the work emphasises self-love beyond mainstream definitions, Mhlana also addressing the lack of representation of black female bodies in media. Lulu Mhlana’s Uthando project, which began in 2017, captures intimate moments between a couple, evolving to include her own presence as part of the exploration of love, identity, and connection.
Noluthando Mbuyisa blends painting and beadwork to express African spirituality, culture, and emotion. Her artwork, influenced by impressionism and African traditions, uses beads to symbolise water spirits (Isithunywa) and reflect her work as a healer. Mbuyisa’s art is a spiritual tool that aims to heal and inspire, conveying the dynamic energies of African life through her innovative use of color and texture.
Both artists bring deeply personal and cultural narratives to their work, creating an exhibition that invites reflection on identity, love, and spiritual healing. Join us for this powerful and transformative experience that celebrates their unique voices and contributions.
“The Meaning between Us” by Alouette Ferreira
The Meaning Between Us by @alouette.ferreira.art explores how we come to meaning when we have dialogue. Dialogue creates relationship and differentiates us from a robotic interaction. In her paintings Alouette explores dialogue embodiment that can look like play. Play and dialogue are ways of exploring how to act. Her paintings remind the viewer about what real world interaction can look like.