THE 12th edition of the upcoming Investec Cape Town Art Fair, taking place from February 21-23 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, will showcase the work of more than 50 talented Gauteng artists. Offering a dynamic blend of art, culture and experiences, this year’s fair remains the largest contemporary art fair on the continent and is expecting more than 30 000 local and international visitors, who will even have an opportunity to capture a playful moment with renowned, Gauteng-based photographer Trevor Stuurman.
The curated sections of the fair this year take inspiration from the notion of PLAY. Director of Investec Cape Town Art Fair, Laura Vincenti, said this vibrant spirit of PLAY is reflected in the works of artists showcasing in the curated sections, each offering their unique interpretation of the theme and creating a diverse and interactive experience for all to engage with.
One such section is the anticipated Tomorrows/Today, which was started as a special project at the fair in 2016 and features talent from across the globe. This year Tomorrows/Today will showcase the work of Johannesburg artists Mankebe Seakgoe (BKhz Gallery) and Thando Phenyane (Eclectica Contemporary), alongside Zehnlin Zhang, Georgina Maxim, Mulambö, Agnes Essonti Luque’s, Mareli Lal, Warren Maroon, Joy Adeboye, Asma Ben Aissa, Soukaina Joual and Anthony Ngoya.
“The Tomorrows/Today section at Investec Cape Town Art Fair is a space for forecasting the leading names of the future. But it’s also a platform for amplifying the voices, ideas and themes that are already emerging among these artists. Looking at what emerging artists are doing today offers us a glimpse into the practices, themes and modes of working that will define the future art scene,” said Dr Mariella Franzoni who will curate the section for a third time this year.
An added highlight of Tomorrows/Today is its cash prize of R80 000, sponsored by Fiera Milano Exhibitions Africa, and awarded by a panel of art professionals to the participating artist with the highest quality presentation during the fair. Wim Pijbes, Netherlands (Art Historian), Azu Nwagbogu, Nigeria (Curator) and Gabriel Virgilio Luciani, USA (Curator) have been announced as this years’ jury. Previous winners of the prize are Boemo Diale (2024, Kalashnikovv Gallery), Talia Ramkilawan (2023, BKhz) and Michaela Younge (2022, SMAC Gallery).
This year’s fair is filled with a range of highlights, offering something for every taste, interest and imagination.
Johannesburg’s Occupying the Gallery is among the twelve local and international exhibitors in this year’s Lookout section, which is a section dedicated to discovery, focusing on emerging galleries operating for under five years. In addition, Gauteng’s Artist Proof Studio, Dale Sargent Fine Art and Eleven Editions, amongst others, are part of Editions, a section dedicated to showcasing leading print galleries and workshops specialising in prints, multiples and limited editions.
Visitors to the fair can also look forward to an exceptional programme of engaging talks and panel discussions curated by Art School Africa and supported by iTOO Artinsure. Thought leaders, art market professionals and industry experts will share valuable insights on a host of topics, including Imagining a Brighter Future Through Environmental and Social Responsibility, moderated by Virginia MacKenny (Associate Professor of Michaelis School of Fine Art), which will explore how art professionals like Johannesburg artist Teresa Kutala Firmino, David Brits (Artist) and Khanyisile Mbongwa (Curator Stellenbosch Triennale and Artist) are using their work to tackle pressing environmental and social issues.
Another talk The Role of Digital Media and Film in Contemporary Art with Iole Pellion di Persano (Founder of Recontemporary) as moderator, supported by the Italian Culture Institute of Pretoria, alongside a world-class group of speakers, will focus on how digital platforms are transforming the art scene, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges digital media presents for artists and collectors.
The 12th Investec Cape Town Art Fair will run from 21 to 23 February at the Cape Town International Conference Centre, from 12h00 to 19h00. Tickets can be purchased via Webtickets.