Bree Street has taken on a distinctive golden hue this December as Youngblood Gallery transforms into a sun-drenched celebration of photography and champagne. The gallery, painted in Veuve Clicquot’s signature Yellow Pantone 137c, now houses Emotions of the Sun, an international photographic exhibition created in collaboration with the legendary Magnum Photos agency.
Running from December 4 to 21, the exhibition marks the latest chapter in Veuve Clicquot’s acclaimed Solaire project, following successful showcases in Milan and New York. The gallery has become an unmistakable landmark in Cape Town’s creative district, its vibrant exterior reflecting the optimistic spirit of both the Maison and the exhibition within.
A Global Perspective on Sunlight
Emotions of the Sun brings together forty works from eight distinguished Magnum photographers, each offering their unique interpretation of the sun as an emotional and visual force. The collection spans five continents, yet finds particular resonance in Cape Town, a city renowned for its exceptional light and thriving creative energy.
“The sun is our ultimate muse,” explains Thomas Mulliez, President of Veuve Clicquot. “Cape Town’s light and its appetite for creativity made this a fitting next chapter.”
The exhibition features an impressive roster of photographic talent: Steve McCurry’s contemplative sunrise over Mount Fuji, Cristina de Middel’s vibrant theatrical scenes from Salvador de Bahia, Trent Parke’s expansive Australian landscapes, Alex Webb’s layered portraits of Oaxaca, Nanna Heitmann’s reflective Spanish imagery, Olivia Arthur’s quiet French summer moments, Newsha Tavakolian’s luminous Iranian narratives, and Lindokuhle Sobekwa’s intimate depiction of South African spring. Together, these works create what organizers describe as “a global lexicon of sunlight, distinct but deeply connected.”
A Homecoming Celebration
The exhibition’s December 3 launch event, hosted by actress Nomzamo Mbatha, proved particularly meaningful with the attendance of three featured photographers: de Middel, Tavakolian, and South Africa’s own Sobekwa. Their presence elevated the evening from a simple gallery opening to an intimate exploration of light, memory, and place.
Sobekwa’s homecoming resonated especially with attendees. His series, Blooming in the Sun, captures the landscapes and communities that shaped him, grounding the international exhibition in local context and lived experience.
“Seeing the work here, in the light that raised me, gives it a different weight,” the photographer reflected. The public opening followed the next day as part of Cape Town’s First Thursdays initiative, inviting the broader community into an immersive experience that blends fine art with the Maison’s celebrated joie de vivre.
Continuing Celebrations
The programming extends throughout the exhibition’s run with exclusive hosted tours, La Grande Dame dinners, and Bold Conversations—intimate gatherings that continue the Maison’s tradition of celebrating audacity and community. These events maintain the spirit of connection that has defined Veuve Clicquot since its founding.
Exhibition tickets are priced at R200 and available through howler.co.za. Admission includes a glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label and access to the exhibition, café, and boutique. Tickets for the La Grande Dame dinners and Bold Conversations are also available through the same platform.
Exhibition Details:
Location: Youngblood Gallery, 70 Bree Street, Cape Town
Dates: December 4-21
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am-6pm
