By showcasing a combination of African works as well as art from myriad international countries, the Investec Cape Town Art Fair (ICTAF) 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,” explains Tumelo Mosaka, ICTAF curator.
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, NJE Collective from Namibia represent new arts initiatives that contribute to the growing cultural landscape on the continent.
Having played an active role in the art world for over a decade, Nontobeko Ntombela, appointed curator, will be working alongside Mosaka and 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. 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,” says Ntombela.
Visitors to the 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 what the curatorial role is 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,” says Mosaka.
Returning to ICTAF is the Tomorrows/Today section, a curated cross-section of the most exciting emerging artists from Africa and around the world chosen by Mosaka, as being representative of the continent's 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, explains Mosaka.
Performance works will take place across the fair. Visitors are encouraged to visit the website for more information on the times of each performance.
The ICTAF will showcase a section on Past Modern art, and how it is relevant to art in general today. As Mosaka explains: “Past modern emerged as a reaction to grand narratives of Western domination and progress. It is the breakdown of hierarchies and an opening up of how contemporary life is interrogated.”
The Editions section will feature works made in multiples such as prints, etchings and silkscreens. This showcasing also allows young and new collectors to participate in the exchange by purchasing art at a more affordable price.
Walkabouts are tours of the ICTAF. Visitors can expect to see highlights and be led through the fair by an art expert exploring certain themes and meeting gallerists.
