The famous Nazca Lines of the high desert of southern Peru are either wonders from a lost civilization or the handiwork of aliens. The body mapping works of Namaqualand’s farm workers have a similar effect on city slickers. At the opening of a body map exhibition this evening in the Iziko Annex, squashed in between the wedding cake of a synagogue and the temple of the national gallery, the vibrant blinding colours of Namaquland were on display. What a pity none of the 30 artists made the 3 hours drive – even if there are no longer multiple stop-and-gos that made the trip hell in the recent past.

The famous hospitality of Namaqualand was on display in the shape of a selection of wine from producers. The wines of the region are a bit like the diamonds that litter the Atlantic coast – unexpected and very valuable.

As is fine art which is being paired all over town with wine. Our own brave Wine Gallery at the Taj Hotel has been hijacked by corporate interests and this evening featured some wines from Simonsig and some “art”.

Meanwhile the authentic wine gallery has moved premises to the Cape Town Club on Queen Victoria Street and will be featuring wines from Namaqualand next Wednesday as part of our terroir-based WellsFaber Sommelier Selection series. As the body mapper said “elke donnerse wolk het ‘n silwer rand.” Indeed.