The Popular art event The BMW Art Generation is back, bigger and at a new home
By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor
When the event last took place at The Centre For Less Good Idea in Maboneng, Johannesburg CBD, art lovers, art enthusiasts and those who just wanted to hang around with the cool crowd and pretend that they are actually part of this crowd, congregated in big numbers. The discussions were illuminating and the panels that were put together to discuss either the business of art, curatorial practices and the position of African art on the global art market shared valuable information. The event was in fact worth the while to the extent that many who attended it were left asking what happened to it. This is because last year, the event was aligned to the FNB Art Joburg activations around the city of Gold, but, not this year.
However those who are once more yearning to attend The BMW Art Generation, will be happy to know that it is back. This time it is at a new venue, the fabulous Sclupture Park. Those who have been to this part of the country will tell you that it makes you feel like you are in the countryside. And this is definitely an essential break from city weary crowds looking for breath fresh of air. This place offers that. I have been there one, and I really loved the atmosphere there. It is a cool place to be at.
There are a number of activities lined up on the day, and they look quite like the events one would not want to unnecessarily miss.
The day will kick off with a conversation be between formidable painters Mmakgabo Helen Sebidi and Thenjiwe Niki Nkosi. The conversation will be moderated by Janine Gaëlle Dieudji, curator of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art.
Parallel to the discourse, guests can look forward to what clearly looks like an exciting menu for those that have discerning taste when it comes to food.
Line up are well known and popular names in the culinary art: Lara the Food Goddess, Lucky Bread, Jack Rabbit, Forest Gelato, Glory, Il Contadino, and Soul Souvlaki, well known for its classic street food menu.
Those who are into fashion will also be taken care of through the designs of BOYDE; VIVIERS; NAO SERATI and UNI FORM by Luke Radloff.
Music lovers are also not left behind as they will be catred for by Kopano Jazz Collective, the South African Music Award nominated Kujenga and, as a headline, the multi-award winning artist: Thandiswa Mazwai.
A prime arts and lifestyle event, The BMW Art Generation will fulfill the questions and curiosities of art enthusiasts and academics parallel to offering them an intentionally engaging programme of art walkabouts in the park; studio visits; a live music line-up made to facilitate enjoyment, as well as food, wine and fashion offerings that demonstrate Africa as a destination for lifestyle excellence.
Tickets are R400.00 at https://tickets.tixsa.co.za/event/the-bmw-art-generation