Lowveld contemporary art tour

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Ceramicist Anton Bosch fashions a vase.

© Anton Bosch

For a tour with a difference, and one that will take you into the heart of South Africa's artistic creativity, take a full-day contemporary art tour of the Lowveld, one of the many specialised tours offered by Ntwanano Tours of White River.

This area of Mpumalanga is home to many artists, galleries and workshops, and this informative and fascinating contemporary art tour will introduce you to some of the best.

The Artists' Press, situated on rolling farmland near White River, is a printmaking studio and workshop, presided over by Mark Attwood, arguably South Africa’s top printer, and his team of Leshoka Legate (Master Printer), Tamar Mason and Jacky Tsila. The roll call of names of famous artists who have worked here reads like a Who’s Who of contemporary South African art ­– William Kentridge, Penny Siopis, Dumisani Mabaso, Tommy Motswai and Conrad Botes, to name but a few.

Next stop is collector and art patron Harrie Siertsema's spacious Gallery of Contemporary Art at the Graskop Hotel in Graskop where she regularly holds exhibitions of contemporary South African artists.

Also in Graskop is Graskop Griet's Eco Sunlight Gallery, a tiny space filled with work inspired by the concept of saving our planet and raising ecological awareness. Alongside Griet’s lovely paintings and murals are beautifully woven straw animals and handmade collectibles almost impossible to resist.

The Bosch Ceramic Art Studio, where Anton and Hanlie Bosch create contemporary ceramics, is a highlight of the tour. Admire porcelain bowls and vases, murals, gorgeous pots, plates, dishes and sculptures. Anton's superb work is featured in national and international collections.