Thabo Jacob Modise, popularly known as Thabo the Tourist, is a passionate art tourism connoisseur with over a decade of experience in the art scene. In addition to his Hop-on Joburg Art Galleries tour which we have already tried out before, he now also offers another tour in partnership with City Sightseeing Red Bus for an art tour on the Red City bus route.
Partnering with the City Sightseeing Bus is crucial for Modise as it significantly enhances the accessibility of Johannesburg’s vibrant art scene. The red bus offers a flexible and convenient way to explore the city’s cultural landmarks, allowing passengers to hop on and off at any stop along the route with a day-long valid ticket.
This partnership not only broadens the reach of the tour but also adds a unique dimension thanks to Modise's expertise and enthusiasm. His insightful commentary on Keyes Art Mile, The Melrose Arch Gallery, and Transwerke Studio enriches the experience, making art more engaging and approachable for everyone. This collaboration ensures that locals and tourists can immerse themselves in Johannesburg’s artistic treasures, one stop at a time.
Modise is passionate about art and sees himself as a promoter of the local art scene, bringing art buyers and lovers into the market to expose them to local talent, which he believes is making a growing impact on the global art scene. He is also committed to making galleries more accessible and less intimidating, as he believes there are many benefits to visiting art galleries.
As we entered Everard Read Gallery, Modise introduced us to the sculptures at the entrance by Atang Tshikare and Fumani Maluleke, one from a township in Hammanskraal and the other from rural Giyani, respectively. He spoke passionately about Everard Read's commitment to giving opportunities to people like Tshikare and Maluleke from disadvantaged communities, who would have historically and otherwise been overlooked for such opportunities.
We went inside for other works leading up to Teresa Kutala Firmino’s exhibition, whose work spans painting, photography, soft sculptures, and performance, and explores personal and collective trauma, creating surreal, baroque scenes that reimagine African history and narratives through a blend of past and present. Modise speaks freely and knowledgeably about the artists, distinguishing between established, semi-established, and upcoming talents. For those interested in purchasing art, this tour offers valuable insights from Modise on whose work might be worth investing in.
The adventure begins with a 10-minute walk from the Rosebank bus kiosk, where you collect your tickets. It then heads to Keyes Art Mile, where we stopped at Everard Read Gallery and Origin Art. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to make another stop at BKhz Gallery and Circa. Once on the bus, we were provided with headsets that offered informative commentary about the surroundings, allowing for a private and convenient listening experience. The elevated view from the bus provides a different perspective of the city, which we loved.
At The Melrose Arch Gallery, we encountered the works of maskandi music artist and traditional healer Ndabuko Ntuli, who transforms the trash-littered streets of Gomora into stunning art pieces that pay homage to Zulu cultural artefacts. The gallery also represents iconic names like Dr Esther Mahlangu, Dr Willie Bester, Mam Noria Mabasa, and Professor Pitika Ntuli.
The final stop, Transwerk Studios, is home to nearly 30 artists. Here, Modise introduced us to Thabo Motseki, co-founder of The Art Company Soweto (TACS). Motseki discussed TACS’s efforts to provide young artists with opportunities to hone their skills and showcase their work. Each year, TACS offers 16 emerging artists a print-making workshop culminating in an exhibition commemorating June 16, helping them develop their artworks through new techniques and deep thematic exploration. The Art Company Soweto also offers four-week print-making workshops for R2,500, perfect for those looking to refine their skills and try their hand at creating art.
The Red Bus and Guided Art Tour takes place on Wed and Sat and starts from Rosebank at 09:45. Book here.
Thabo the Tourist and the City Sightseeing Bus will offer The Red Bus FNB Art Joburg once-off experience art tour for R575 p.p. (normal price R795) on Sat, Sep 7 as part of FNB Art Joburg. The price for the tour includes a ticket to the FNB Art Fair, plus a bus ticket that will include visits to Ellis House Art Building, Victoria Yards and Artyli Gallery.
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