The soft breeze caresses our hair as our car pulls into the gated lot. The lush greenery of the trees and shrubs neatly lined against the wall welcomes us to the Constantia Winelands. South Africa’s azure sky stretches above us, covering a land steeped in history. The same sky that different people across time have gazed upon. The imposing building stands tall, its walls adorned with a subtle white shade, a testament to its historic Cape Dutch architecture.

The Alphen Boutique Hotel is a living embodiment of Constantia’s past and present. The lot is a charming haven, featuring a bistro and bakery called la Belle, a high-ceilinged restaurant named Blanko, and a glass facade that showcases the iconic cocktail and tapas bar, Incognito. From the moment we arrived, the servers displayed an exceptional level of hospitality, showcasing their dedication to the building’s transformation.

What truly captivated us was the stellar contemporary art collection that adorns the walls of the building. The art seamlessly blends old and new, inviting a fresh voice and expression that breathes new life into this historic building.  

OUR COLLECTION

The Alphen Boutique Hotel & Spa and Blanko restaurant showcase a contemporary art collection featuring works by various artists, including several renowned South African artists. While the building’s Cape Dutch architecture provides a historical backdrop, the post-colonial and contemporary critical artworks displayed within its halls convey a broader message. 

This message resonates with the evolving narrative of South Africa, representing a new voice that contributes to the layers of history etched into the grounds. The experience of art and historical memory is particularly noteworthy during the Cape Town Art Fair season. 

ARTIST HIGHLIGHT

Unholy Alliance (The Good Doctor and The Good Shepherd) (2006)

Diane Victor

Victor is a South African artist known for her bold confrontations with difficult and taboo subject matter. 

Her large-scale etching explores themes of corruption, violence and inequality in contemporary South Africa, rendered with powerful mark-making.

Onious Mthembo, Ponte City (2008)

Mikhael Subotzky

Mikhael Subotzky’s work spans film, video and photography, with a focus on narrative and representation. 

His art examines the interplay between everyday life in post-apartheid South Africa and the historical, spatial and institutional structures of control.

Buoyant (2021)

Hugh Byrne

Hugh Byrne is a non-figurative artist who emphasises colour, structure, and composition in his work. 

His piece reflects a balance between spontaneity and discipline, guided by intuition and curiosity.

12 Artists. 12 Plates. 1 Humanitarian Cause (2014)

David Goldblatt, Brett Murray, Kendell Geers, Mikhael Subotszky, Jeremy Wafer, Sam Nhlengethwa and Moshekwa Langa

This collaboration between the Goodman Gallery and Orange Babies, an NGO focused on HIV prevention and care for orphaned children, resulted in a limited edition range of 250 sets. 

All proceeds from the project went to supporting Orange Babies’ initiatives in South Africa.

After Cezanne (2012)

Clive van den Berg

Clive van den Berg is an artist, curator, designer, writer, teacher, and activist whose work spans across various mediums. 

His creation explores the interconnected themes of memory, light, landscape, desire and the body.

Saxophone no. 1 (2016)

David Koloane

David Koloane was a pioneering South African artist dedicated to supporting disadvantaged black artists during and after apartheid.

His artwork, Saxophone No. 1 (2016), reflects his expressive style and deep engagement with urban life, music and the cultural vibrancy of Johannesburg— and addresses socio-political matters.