Art is in the eye of the beholder and the passion thereof time and limitless. The same can be said about Brad Twaddle’s immeasurable energy and passion for Dancing and the Arts. It was therefore no happenstance that he chose to pursue this via his company Cape Culture Art Tours. There are a variety of tour packages to choose from, each uniquely adapted to fit his clients personal likes and interests, on condition of what is on exhibit or available. He tells us more.
Please tell us about yourself
I was always interested in the creative side of things growing up in Johannesburg. I furthered my career in Dance and took my career on stage, spending several years doing ad-hoc shows and performances. I got involved with an Art Gallery in Cape Town, where I began my career in the South African Art world, growing and harnessing my passion for the art industry.
Tell us about Cape Culture Art Tours.
Cape Culture is a Specialized Art Tour Company offering Tailor made Art Tours. Thus connecting and exposing people to the Art, the Artists and the Galleries; whether they are an avid art collector on the hunt for their next acquisition or just an art enthusiast keen for a cultural day out.
What skills have you gained during your time at the Barnard Gallery?
I worked alongside a magnificent Gallery Team, representing several local artists, handling the build-up and hosting of their exhibitions and participating in several art fairs. I was part of the gallery from its inception and helped it grow year by year, thus learning a lot. In turn it has offered me a great advantage and understanding of the industry.
Name a vivid memory of your first Art experience
My first time visiting a museum not knowing what it was I was going to see or find, I was standing next to a bunch of art enthusiasts, who were debating, dissecting and deliberating. I was drawn into their conversation and absolutely intoxicated with curiosity to see how different people perceive “ART”.
What is your take on Art & Technology being at the crossroads?
There is a huge shift in today’s time. Good or bad it is shaping and influencing the industry drastically. Technology has enabled the birth of a whole new genre of visual and digital art. It’s made Art accessible, be it online art fairs or websites that allow collectors to research new artists, view extensive collections and purchase artworks. On the downside some people may not even find the time to pick up a paintbrush to create something magical.
Would there be a current App to follow to keep abreast of the ever-evolving trends?
Artsy, is a website that does just that, it is also available as an app.
They are a platform for collecting and discovering art used by art lovers, museum-goers, patrons, collectors, students, and educators.
Artsy features the world’s leading galleries, museum collections, foundations, artist estates, art fairs, and benefit auctions, all in one place.
What would you consider the Go to Guide for the novice and expert alike?
Definitely visit an Art Museum. There is something for everyone. Each person takes something different from their experience. You can revisit, each time discovering something new or revaluating past experiences.
What is the best practice for self-promotion?
I market my business toward tour operator companies. They have a great interest and desire to learn and experience South African Art. I also work with Galleries and Gallery owners. Social media is important; a strong online presence creates a greater interest.
What is your favorite medium?
Oil Paint. I’m stimulated by colour and texture; especially the conversations of the brushstrokes that are imprinted onto surfaces with the use of rich oil paint.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must when in New York. What would your ultimate Art Destination be?
The Lourve – Paris, France
How do creatives succeed in this fiercely competitive landscape?
They have to work hard on becoming established artists and keep ahead of their game whilst pushing their boundaries. Get involved in as many exhibitions or art fairs as possible to get their work recognized and sought after. Competition is tight, so best the artists stay true to their brand. Seek advice from curators and professionals. Have a thick skin; there will be a lot of downs before the ups.
What impact do South African Artists have on the international stage?
It’s exploding. More artists are being asked to partake in International art fairs, winning numerous awards and being given sponsorships to do artist residencies abroad. The Zeitz MOCAA Art Museum has ensured a lot of international interest in our local art pools.
The San Zaccaria Altarpiece by Giovanni Bellini is a sublime highlight when in Venice, which other works would be on your bucket list?
My Top 5 would be:
The Water Lillies – The Clouds by Claude Monet.
Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I by Gustav Klimt
The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli.
The Pieta by Michelangelo
Les Demoiselles d’Avignon by Pablo Picasso .
On the opposite side, which work are you embarrassed not to have seen yet?
The Butcher Boys by Jane Alexander. Three life size oil painted plaster figures with animal and horn details.
What is the biggest misconception of the Arts?
Locally it’s the uneducated viewers. Europeans have a larger understanding towards abstract art, whereas the average response is “I have an iPhone, I can take that picture, why should I pay that price for that” or “my 2 year old can paint like that, what’s so abstract about that”. People need to be educated to gain greater insight and to understand the artists thought process.
You are hosting a dinner with three artists, who’s invited?
It would be (dead or alive): Salvador Dali, William Kentridge and Jeff Koons. They would make for great company and conversation.
Dance is your other passion, what song and dance would you choose if you ever found yourself auditioning for a dance reality TV show.
I am a huge theatre fan so most definitely a Broadway number; something very bold, eccentric, and dramatic. My song would be “Don’t Rain on my Parade from the musical Funny Girl.”
What elements make up your perfect holiday?
It would be a combination of culture, people, food, art and the defining attractions on offer; the destination itself and some down time to relax. As my work life is jam packed into every 24 hours, some time out is definitely a must.
Favorite Mantra/Quote to live by
Life isn’t happening to you…. Life is responding to you!
Website: www.capeculture.com
Email: brad@capeculture.com
Mobile: +27 72 024 3055
@cape_arttours Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cape_arttours/
Cape Culture FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/Cape-Culture-1106021829515913/
@Cape_ArtTours Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cape_ArtTours
Erasmus
Hello I'm Bernadette Erasmus from Cape Town South Africa. I have a blog called Kaleidoscope, please do have a look.