From that tall skyline i come
JUSTIN RHODES
Justin Rhodes grasps the importance of context and has, with partner Cameron Munro, created platforms that celebrate and regenerate local creativity and culture. It’s no surprise then that, even though a foreigner, he’s more rooted here than most.
A New Yorker in Cape Town, why?
I moved here for love. I always wanted to spend some time working in a foreign country – a lot of Americans don’t leave home and I think it’s important to live elsewhere. Cameron, my partner, is from here and wanted to come home – it seemed impossible not to come too.
Do you remember your first impressions?
I was excited and surprised. That first drive around the peninsula is quite unbelievable, such incredible natural beauty – it’s knee-dropping beautiful. We tend to think of Africa as underdeveloped, so the sophistication surprised me. This is a young country within a global culture that people know very little about. I liked the mix of cosmopolitan and small town, it’s fresh, an emerging culture. I was immediately drawn to it.
What were your plans?
They were quite loose. My life in America was pretty mapped out but this is a different context. I had to understand what the place needed first. We were looking for a space and coming from Brooklyn, were immediately attracted to Woodstock as it was in keeping with the character. But it’s difficult to buy anything small there so we ended up buying a tiny space in the East City Precinct. We had a tea party, invited film directors, artists, writers and others as a barometer, to find out what was needed. The result was platforms for emerging businesses and we started using the space for small events where young artists and designers could sell their stuff. Whatiftheworld was born.
*Here we are in your new Woodstock gallery, just up the road from the Neighbourgoods market you and Cameron founded. That’s quite an accomplishment in the space of two years.*
It’s possible. That’s one of the things I love about being here – it’s accessible and you can still start things quite easily. A gallery, project room, design studio and market would be impossible in such a short space of time in New York. And we’re still evolving. There’s a real entrepreneurial spirit and drive here, a quality of self-starting. People will roll up their sleeves and begin something in their backyard.
Did you plan to stay so long?
No, but I couldn’t leave now. This has become my home.
What makes it home?
People. A place in the community and contributing to it. My favourite part of the week is on Saturday mornings when the market is being set up. Everyone’s unloading, there’s coffee brewing and records playing, a real vibe. People are excited to see each other again and to share stories. I also love watching the sorts who come – the serious early shoppers bent on the perfect cheese and later, the younger lot coming in for a glass of wine and a chat.
How would you describe your life here?
Wholesome, exciting, rewarding.
What do you miss when you’re away?
Again, people. My life is here; this is my place in the world. I miss our lovely old house in Tamboerskloof with its wrap-around balcony and big views of Table Mountain. When I’m back in New York, I miss the friendly size. I don’t feel overwhelmed or blown around here. It’s never too much, there’s always a walk on the beach with my dog Blue if things become strained.
Anything missing here?
I’m all for slow food and the slow movement but sometimes that tips into casual complacency. There can be a bit too much talking and not enough doing and then a kick in the butt becomes necessary. I would like to see more simple places to hang out – there are a lot of people spending tons of money on stuff that lacks authenticity and is way too expensive.
Advice to visitors?
Come to the Neighbourgoods market, for a sampling of local energy. In fact, try them all: the Salt River food market in the week; Milnerton market on Sundays. Get out of Cape Town – there are beautiful places an hour or two away like Riebeek-Kasteel, Stanford and the Cederberg. Go to the galleries and visit Woodstock; it’s raw, industrial and urban.
ESCAPE
Scarborough
SUNDAY
Milnerton Market
SOUND
Talking Heads
WINE
Stellar Organics Reserve Shiraz
(no sulphur added)
TRADITION
Taking our artists out to dinner after their opening nights
DISH
Anything from Karen Dudley at the Neighbourgoods market
VIEW
Table Mountain from my patio
PASTIME
Playing with my dog, Blue
SEASON
Autumn
SPACE
Chloe Townsend’s Studio
DANCE
David West’s Nu-Flex Parties