Fostering a community in the arts
An annual highlight on the calendar – and one sorely missed in its physical form during its hiatus – Investec Cape Town Art Fair is back
Wycliffe Mundopa, A Rose by Every Other Name, Part 1, 2021, First Floor Gallery
As Africa’s largest contemporary art fair, Investec Cape Town Art Fair, has always aimed to unite people through art. After an (in-person) hiatus brought on by Covid-19 and lockdowns, the 2022 edition of the fair is largely focused on the notion of collaboration in many spheres – the intention is to open up a dialogue and a shared support structure, with an exchange of ideas, research, artists, strategies and resources. The fair seeks to bring people together to connect, converse and contemplate at the forefront of contemporary art.
Having been the title sponsor of the art fair since 2018, Investec is not only committed to showcasing African artists’ works, but to supporting, mentoring and building a community through this showcase too. Artists and the art industry, like so many others, were very hard hit in the last two years – it is imperative to buoy up the field and those creating within it.
‘The return of the physical event offers some reprieve and restoration for the global art community,’ says Investec Cape Town Art Fair Director, Laura Vincenti. ‘We believe it will be a deeply emotionally, spiritually, and physically rewarding experience.’
Kylie Wentzel, Public Shower, 2021, Kalashnikovv Gallery
Tafadzwa Masudi, Still in Waiting, 2021, WORLDART
Echoing these sentiments, Investec’s head of Sponsorships, Peta Dixon, notes, ‘We believe art can break down barriers and bring people together. So, we’re delighted to welcome back a face-to-face fair, combined with the digital edition, which could bring the world of art to a potentially larger, more diverse audience. Cape Town tourism has also been badly impacted due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, but we are hopeful that the 9th edition of Investec Cape Town Art Fair will be a drawcard for the city synonymous with art and creativity.’
In addition to a broader artist presentation, the 2022 Investec Cape Town Art Fair has some exciting new additions. The new ‘ALT’ section takes a different spin on a similar theme, inviting alternative galleries to portray the way in which the pandemic has affected how artists engage with the real and more pressingly, virtual worlds of art.
In addition to ALT, the signature line-up includes: Tomorrows/Today guest-curated by Nkule Mabaso and Luigi Fassi and Past Modern guest-curated by João Ferreira; SOLO (which explores how artists have reacted to intimacy and introspection caused by the pandemic), as well as cultural platforms, a magazines and books area, and more.
Hannes Harrs, Solve, 1997, EBONY/CURATED
For further information on the Talks Programme, happening at the Westin Grand Hotel see the programme line up here. Information and schedules for the walkabouts and prizes can be found here, Gallery Night and Red Bus schedule can be seen here and you can get your tickets for the SMAC after party here.
Please note that all visitors to this year’s Investec Cape Town Art Fair will be required to present proof of full vaccination status in paper or digital application, or present proof of a negative Covid-19 test result taken within 72 hours of entering the CTICC. Those without these documents will not be permitted to enter the CTICC under any circumstance. Further details regarding Investec Cape Town Art Fair safety protocols please click here.
Zizipho Poswa, Fumbi ‘Unbreakable’, 2021, Southern Guild
Anico Mostert, Tendencies, 2021, EBONY/CURATED
Visit the Investec Cape Town Art Fair from 18-20 February 2022 at the Cape Town Convention Centre, book your tickets here.
