10 Things Not to Miss at CTAF 2017 – Your Handy Guide to the Fair
Onyis Martin, 347 (Talking Walls); Courtesy of the artist and ARTLab Africa.
With an ambitious events programme and over 80 exhibitors spanning two large halls at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), the Cape Town Art Fair (CTAF) 2017 is the largest incarnation of the event to date. The most significant contemporary art fair on the African continent is now in its fifth edition, and this year, CTAF brims with a wealth of visual and intellectual stimulation offering visitors far more than ever before. Everything at the fair is worth a visit, but here’s a quick guide to what is absolutely not to be missed at this year’s show:
1. Live performance art:
Internationally renowned Donna Kukama will perform a new work entitled Chapter L: When Rain Clouds Gathered at 18h00 on Friday 17 February 2017 in the Talks Auditorium.
2. A Human Carwash:
Entitled The Carwash: a Declaration of the Independence of the Imagination and the Rights of Man to His Own Madness (2017), experience the novelty and tactility of this large-scale interactive installation by Katharien de Villiers of SMITH gallery for yourself.
3. Tomorrows/Today:
Witness the emerging talent from the African continent and the diaspora - Tomorrows/Today gathers new provocative voices reflecting on our contemporary realities. Each artist has a solo presentation and there will be an award presented on Sunday at 16h00 forming the closing ceremony of the fair.
4. Investment Opportunity:
Many of the works at the fair are for sale, with experienced and knowledgeable gallerists and curators on hand to advise on the art market. With acquisitions experts and asset managers flying in from all over the globe to make their purchases, it’s THE place to view and acquire significant work from around the world.
5. Talks Programme:
An array of talks are scheduled daily in the auditorium, featuring local and global heavyweights. Consult the fair catalogue for the full programme.
6. Book Signing:
Zander Blom will be on hand to greet and sign copies of “Zander Blom: Paintings Volume II” at the Stevenson stand in the Magazines & Publications Section, on Friday 17 February 2017 from 14h00 to 15h00.
7. Workshops:
Free for children and their parents, the Cape Town Art Fair will host four workshops with educators and artists from the Lalela Arts Foundation on Saturday 18 February 2017 at the Watershed in the V&A Waterfront. Join these ‘Art of Listening’ workshops at 10h00, 12h00, 14h00, or 16h00.
8. Screenings:
View the film Afro Promo #1 Kinglady by international artist Nora Chipaumire who explores the absence of African superheroes or catch Mohau Modisakeng’s “INZILO” as part of the official Programme. The screenings run back to back on Sunday 19 February 2017 from 16h00 till 17h00.
9. One Man Jumping Castle:
Test your legs on this inflatable creation by Michael Landers of SMITH gallery, entitled King of My Castle (2017). Although this large-scale installation looks like fun, it’s a serious comment on the narcissicm of internet culture, that forms part of the fair’s Unframed section.
10. Reading Matter:
Art publications from all over the world have partnered with the fair to present their publications in print and digital format. Check out the Digital Platforms and get your hands on a copy of the very first print issue of Adjective magazine, which launches at the fair boasting a limited edition collectable art print as part of its contents. Don’t forget to use the CTAF App on Artsy to navigate your way around the fair.
Follow and engage with Cape Town Art Fair using the following social media handles:
https://www.facebook.com/CTArtFair/
https://www.instagram.com/ct_artfair/
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