A cquired just over a year ago its enviable beachside location with layered, eclectic interiors and a stupendous collection of contemporary art. Plus, it’s situated in an and subsequently completely reconceptualized by its owner, Véronique Savigné, and architect Craig Kaplan, this apartment in the heart of Cape Town’s exclusive suburb of Bantry Bay combines
by Michael Taylor and John Murray, which are reflected back at you in the multi-paned Argentinian mirror hung directly opposite the entryway. Once inside, contemporary artworks are simply everywhere in the open-plan main living space, with eye-catching pieces by Athi-Patra Ruga, Sthenjwa Luthuli, and Stephan Allwright vying for attention. In quick succession, you’ll take in sculptures by Cameron Platter, ceramic works by Ben Orkin, a tapestry by rising South African art star
Edwardian period piece that is one of the area’s most charming buildings, and sports glorious views of the iconic bay below it, too. Nevertheless, it’s the art that makes this home utterly unique–and a true reflection of its owner. Half-French, half-German, and brought up in South Africa, Véronique has “always been interested in art,” she says. “I used to be an interior designer, and during my marriage, I started collecting modern art, but it wasn’t until seven years ago that I was drawn to contemporary art.” At the time, she was going through a divorce, “my best friend married international art curator Kim Stern, and I started traveling with them to contemporary art fairs,” Véronique says. What she saw was “art that expressed what I was
Igshaan Adams, oils on board by Nabeeha Mohamed, and a bold abstract painting by Maja Marx–in short, a vibrant and multifarious display that makes for endless visual interest and must spark many a stimulating conversation. Asked about what attracts her most when she’s deciding what to acquire, Véronique again mentions Kim’s assistance and influence and adds that she looks for signs of “the artist’s hand” in the work, and is especially drawn to the textures and “sense of soul” in a piece. Her favorite work in the apartment, she says after lengthy deliberation, is the Igshaan Adams tapestry that floats above the kitchen-dining space.
Homeowner Véronique Savigné at the front door of her Bantry Bay apartment, which opens directly into the open-plan dining, kitchen, and living area. On the wall behind her is a mirror she bought in Argentina and reflected in its multi-paned surface are artworks by South African contemporary artists Michael Taylor (instagram.com/ michaeltaylorstudio) and John Murray, all sourced from Whatiftheworld gallery (whatiftheworld.com). The piece hung on the wall above the mirror is by Cape Town- based, Swedish-born artist Tom Cullberg (tomcullberg.com).
But above all, it’s the collection in its entirety and the way it represents “a bold, new, exciting beginning” in Véronique’s life that is clearly most important to her. “I am very much someone who collects from the heart, and so, in many ways, this collection is an affirmation of my own psychological journey into a new identity,” she says.
experiencing inside myself,” and as a result, Véronique embarked on a collaborative effort with Kim to build her own collection. The process of doing so has been “immensely gratifying and nourishing,” she says, and the results are nothing short of remarkable, judging by the selection that is on show in
Véronique’s apartment. Even before you step through the front door–painted in bold, glossy black–its elegant frame doubles up as a container for some of the host of art inside, with a work by Tom Cullberg visible above multiple pieces
Véronique’s main residence is in Bishopscourt, on the other side of Cape Town, and she uses this apartment as “a holiday space in the same city,” as she puts it.
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