‘A love letter to Fish Hoek’ as AP Jones store hosts large-scale art installation

For the first time in its 97-year history, Fish Hoek’s iconic family-run department store, AP Jones, will burst into colour as its front windows are transformed into a large-scale art installation.

The bold display began its phased unveiling on Friday, September 19 and is already catching the eye of shoppers, pedestrians, and passing traffic along Main Road.

It forms part of the build-up to the inaugural Open Studios Fish Hoek and Clovelly (OSFHC), which takes place from Friday, October 3 to Sunday, October 5.

The project is a collaborative effort by participating OSFHC artists Lauren Shantall, Sue Kaplan and Yda Walt.

The installation was jointly conceptualised by Ms Walt, a celebrated textile artist and screen-printer, and Ms Kaplan, a curator, painter and teacher.

Other artists involved include Susan Didcott, Marlise Keith, Leila and Emma Rowett, and Sasha Scholtz.

All 19 artists taking part in Open Studios will also contribute self-portraits in the medium of their choice, which will form part of the windows.

At the heart of the installation are screen-printed images on calico fabric, created in Ms Walt’s studio.

Layered at different depths, they capture both the bustle of Fish Hoek and its natural beauty—ranging from proteas to passing trucks and Main Road shop signage.

Mannequins will be dressed in clothing made from printed paper, adding a playful twist.

“Screen printing felt like the perfect medium,” said Ms Walt.

“Quick to make, visually bold and ideally suited to a shop window. We wanted something impactful, strong and simple that would stop people in their tracks.”

For her, the installation is also a tribute to the valley itself.

“The Main Road has its rough edges, but it’s also deeply charming. We all live and work here, and this is our way of showing our love for the place. Putting Fish Hoek right there in the window. We hope it draws people into our studios and reveals just how vibrant life here really is.”

Ms Kaplan echoed this spirit of connection.

“What excites me is how this platform enlivens and invigorates the Deep South. It’s establishing a fabulous collective of amazing people who bring colour and vibrancy to our community,” she said.

“Community creates humanity, and together we’re weaving a living, breathing organism of creativity.”

She added that she hopes visitors will leave with fresh inspiration: “I’d like people to sense that there are other ways to be: that creativity is about being an alchemist, seeing the world differently. I want people to be excited by the spaces they step into and the possibilities they reveal.”

For the Jones family, the project holds special significance.

“My family and I are extremely excited to host the project and support Open Studios Fish Hoek & Clovelly,” said Lauren Bing, the great-granddaughter of the store’s founder.

“Just as you can only experience AP Jones here in Fish Hoek, so too is this new event a unique part of our valley. We hope that many people come and visit.”

Open Studios Fish Hoek & Clovelly will invite the public to explore four routes—Clovelly, Fish Hoek Valley, Fish Hoek Mountainside and Risi View—on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5, from 10am to 4pm. Entry is free.

A special preview day for collectors and enthusiasts will be held on Friday, October 3.

Tickets cost R150, with 10% of proceeds going to Project Flamingo, a breast cancer organisation that helps patients get fair access to surgery, care, and support.

The preview includes a first look at the AP Jones installation, a live burn by alternative materials and experiential artist Mandy Johnston, and fine wines from an award-winning brand.

Ticket holders will also enjoy the first chance to view and purchase artworks before the event opens to the public.

For route maps and artist details, visit www.openstudios.org.za or follow @openstudiosfishhoekclovelly on Instagram. Tickets for the preview are available via Quicket.