May 2023

RMB Latitudes Art Fair

Bringing together artists and exhibitors from across the continent, Latitudes will transform Joburg’s Shepstone Gardens into a curated celebration of African art

Artwork by Katlego Tlabela, ‘Tableau Vivant III Oasis’, 2020

From 26 to 28 May 2023, the Latitudes team will bring together 250 artists and 40 galleries from across the continent to transform Shepstone Gardens (Johannesburg), a magnificent three-acre property, into a curated celebration of art from Africa. 

Visitors will be able to enjoy a curated contemporary art experience, while strolling through this iconic garden and attending art talks and walkabouts.

The central curatorial theme for the 2023 edition is co-emergence. “In the context of African art, co-emergence refers to the complexities embedded in the interaction of various cultural and aesthetic influences on the creation and interpretation of African art,” says Latitudes Special Projects Curator, Nkhensani Mkhari.

Artwork by Lwando Dlamini, ‘Ian Mangenga’, 2022-2023, Courtesy Martin Art Projects

“New platforms such as RMB Latitudes are vitally important,” says Azu Nwagbogu, Founder and Director of African Artists’ Foundation (AAF), and curatorial advisor on RMB Latitudes 2023 International Galleries Programme. “They offer innovative models for cultural and artistic engagement that have evolved from the decay of our previous ways of living, and are developing new models for today.”

Artwork by Frances Goodman ‘Change is Coming’ (Acrylic Nails, Silocone, Fibergalss, Wire and Batting), 2023, Courtesy SMAC Gallery

Latitudes launched as an art fair in 2019, and has since evolved into an integral player in the African art industry. The all-women team runs an online marketplace for art from Africa, a physical art fair, a series of mentorship programmes and an art award, all with the common goal of creating voices for independent artists and connecting artists with collectors. Latitudes challenges how art can be seen, experienced, and purchased, making the process more inclusive, less intimidating, and ultimately enjoyable for collectors.

For more information about Latitudes, visit their website and book your tickets to the art fair.