Self-taught Cape Town artist Ismail Achmat has made a name for himself by capturing the city’s most recognisable landmarks through his distinctive lens. A proud Bo-Kaap local, he earned the nickname “Man on the Mountain” after turning heads while painting high up on Signal Hill. His work is rooted in place, offering a vibrant, deeply personal perspective on the city he calls home.
Moving between the city’s most picturesque corners, easel and brushes in hand, often accompanied by his trusted dog, Ismail finds “purpose” in painting the Mother City.
“I’ve always been drawn to the mountain and the ocean. That’s where my inspiration comes from,” he says.
Without formal training, he paints instinctively.
“I paint what I see… and what I feel,” he explains. “Painting keeps me alive. Art is the greatest enhancer of public morale. It’s my way of inspiring others.”
He shares some of the best places in the city to paint and the places where he loves spending time with his family:
Signal Hill
When the skies are clear, Ismail makes his way up Signal Hill to the very spot where it all began.
“This is the first view I ever painted — where my love for art took hold,” he says. “It’s one of the most striking angles of the mountain, especially at sunset, when the sky fills with colour and the hillside comes alive with picnickers and paragliders.”
Further along Signal Hill Road, near the Kramat of Sheikh Mohamed Hassen Ghaibie Shah al Qadri, he returns to another favourite perch.
“It’s an incredible vantage point. I’ve painted it again and again, and it never loses its magic.”
Between brushstrokes, Ismail often picks up his guitar, filling the air with his original music.
Bo-Kaap
Bo-Kaap is one of the places where he finds inspiration. The colourful houses, rich history and culture, and delicious Cape Malay cuisine bring this neighbourhood to life. Some of his recognisable works can be seen at the archway near the Bo-Kaap Museum.
“This place holds special memories, and there is so much to see and do. Some of my favourite places include The Bo-Kaap Market, which is open Friday to Sunday. It brings the community together.”
“Bo-Kaap Kombuis serves some of the most delicious Cape Malay dishes,” he adds.
Locations:
Bo-Kaap Museum: 71 Wale Street, Cape Town,
Bo-Kaap Market: corner of Pentz Street and Yusuf Drive (upper Wale Street), Bo-Kaap
Bo-Kaap Kombuis: 7 August St, Schotsche Kloof
Bloubergstrand
At Bloubergstrand, Ismail spends hours painting Table Mountain rising boldly across the bay. He finds his spot along the promenade, sets up his canvas, and lets the scene unfold: shifting light, rolling waves, and that unmistakable skyline. When the painting’s done, he drifts into one of the nearby eateries, often the ever-busy Lighthouse Café, to refuel and take it all in.
“When people come to Blouberg, they never forget the beauty they see,” he says. “The clouds on the mountain are never the same, but the mountain remains.”
Location: Stadler Rd, Bloubergstrand
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