In anticipation of the annual Investec Cape Town Art Fair (ICTAF), we caught up with ICTAF Curator Tumelo Mosaka to find out what needs to be seen. Produced by Fiera Milano Exhibitions Africa, 2018 will mark the first year with Investec as the Fair’s title sponsor, with the new partnership attracting attention both locally and internationally. Enter ten must-see experiences centred on the artists, galleries and exhibitions taking place in the heart of Cape Town’s city centre at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 16 to the 18 of February.
By showcasing a combination of African works as well as art from myriad international countries, Investec Cape Town Art Fair prides itself in offering visitors diversity.
“It’s important to understand how we see ourselves in relation to the world. South Africa is connected to global culture and economic trends, and art produced from different parts of the world needs to be experienced locally to understand how we are seen and want to be seen.” Mosaka explains.
Cultural Platforms
The Cultural Platforms section is dedicated to non-profit art institutions working both locally and in Africa. It aims to highlight the networks and methods of working outside the market. Collectives such as Village Unhu from Zimbabwe and NJE Collective from Namibia represent new arts initiatives that contribute to the growing cultural landscape on
the continent.
Talks programme
Visitors to ICTAF can look forward to live talks and discussion from featured artists and galleries as part of the Talks Programme. The Programme is designed to introduce ideas related to building value through art as well as understanding the curatorial role within the cultural field; “Visitors will be treated to conversations with artists and collectors as well as talks about the challenges confronting non-commercial institutions that are very supportive of emerging artists.”
Performances
Performance works will take place across the Fair. Visitors are encouraged to visit the website for more information on the times of each performance.
Past/Modern
ICTAF will showcase a section on Past/Modern art and how it is relevant to art in general today. As Mosaka explained;
“Past/modern emerged as a reaction to grand narratives of Western domination and progress. It is the breakdown of hierarchies and an opening up how contemporary life is interrogated.”
Editions
The Editions section will feature works made in multiples such as prints, etchings and silkscreens. This showcase also allows young and new collectors to participate in the exchange by purchasing art at a more affordable price.
Walkabouts
Walkabouts are tours of ICTAF. Visitors can expect to see highlights and be led through the fair by artists and curators exploing certain themes and meeting gallerists.
SOLO
Having played an active role in the art world for over a decade, Nontobeko Ntombela will be working alongside Mosaka and the ICTAF team on SOLO – a focus on the works of women artists through alternative perspectives concerning socio-political issues faced by women. “I’m interested in the concept of what it means as a female artist to have this extended self through art,” says Ntombela. “The artists we are working with have explored this in many diverse ways.” The chosen pieces are all about “upsetting the norm and upsetting the image of women.”
Artists that will be showcased include, Maïmouna Guerresi (Senegal/Italy) represented by Officine dell’Immagine (Milan, Italy), Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum (Botswana) represented by Tiwani Contemporary (London, United Kingdom), Stacey Gillian Abe (Uganda) represented by Afriart Gallery (Kampala, Uganda), Renee Cox (USA) represented by Amar Gallery (London, United Kingdom), Keyezua (Angola) represented by MOV’ART (Luanda, Angola), Lhola Amira (South Africa) represented by SMAC (Stellenbosch, Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa), Lucinda Mudge (South Africa) represented by Everard Read CIRCA Gallery (Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa; London United, Kingdom), Kimathi Mafafo (South Africa) represented by EBONY/CURATED (Cape Town, South Africa), Ingrid Bolton (South Africa) represented by Berman Contemporary (Johannesburg, South Africa) and Buhlebezwe Siwani (South Africa) represented by WHATIFTHEWORLD (Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa).
TOMORROWS/TODAY
Returning to ICTAF is the TOMORROWS/TODAY section, a curated cross-section of the most exciting emerging artists from around the world chosen by Mosaka as being representative of the most thought-provoking young voices.
Tomorrow/Today explores the ideas inspired by African modernity. These works demonstrate an intense awareness of the changing social and economic landscape defining the various localities on the continent. These artists reflect on current conditions in ways that escape fixed definitions about African realities, Mosaka explains.