Sip & Paint by the Fire

Looking for the perfect winter activity with family and friends?

Join our beginner-friendly Sip & Paint by the Fire with guest artist Joel Mamboka from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. All experience levels are welcome. You'll be guided step-by-step to create an artwork you’ll be proud of—playing with bold fabric cutouts to add an African twist to the famous still life painting by Van Gogh: Vase with Irises. Canvases will be pre drawn to make it easier for you to experiment.

When: Sunday 27 July 2025, 3–5pm

Where: Silvertree estate, Tokai, Cape Town

Price: R550 per person

Spaces are limited – this is a small group workshop. Exact address sent upon booking.

All materials, canvases, delicious cake, and wine or hot chocolate are included. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn directly from one of Africa’s most exciting emerging artists. Art is meditation – this workshop is your chance to relax, learn new techniques, and connect with your inner creativity in a beautiful setting.

Joel Mamboka has exhibited in prestigious galleries across the world – from New York to Portugal, Kenya, and France, among others. This is a rare opportunity to learn from him and gain deeper insight into Sape Culture from the Democratic Republic of Congo, which deeply inspires his work.

Artist Bio

Joel Mamboka N'Kumu (b. 1990) is a mixed-media artist who grew up in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and now lives and works in Cape Town.

He uses oil paint, fabric, and found objects to craft stories that explore identity, culture, and style, all deeply rooted in African heritage. His portraits often depict individuals in moments of joy, connection, or introspection. He frequently incorporates vintage wallpaper textures with peeling surfaces and intricate designs to evoke nostalgia and a sense of history.

“My current work is a visual and conceptual exploration of cultural identity, resilience, and the transformative power of textiles. Drawing inspiration from Kinshasa’s vibrant patchwork techniques, I aim to create layered compositions that mirror the complexity and diversity of African cultural identities. By blending disparate fabrics, I seek to evoke the interconnected histories and narratives that shape contemporary African experiences.

At the heart of my work lies an investigation into the SAPE movement (La Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Élégantes), a phenomenon that celebrates style, individuality, and the enduring spirit of post-colonial Congo. Through this lens, I explore how fashion and self-expression become acts of resistance and reclamation.”