Dates for Turbine Art Fair 2022 confirmed, venue still to be disclosed
By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor
The dates for this year’s 10th edition of Turbine Art Fair have now been confirmed by the Organisers, The Forum company. The fair which opened the way for ordinary people to attend an art fair without the usual intimidating atmosphere of traditional, high class art fairs where only the knowledgeable ones with big pockets and cultured in art collecting attended in big numbers and in comfort, this year has a new venue.
And yes, with the relaxation of the Covid 19 restrictions, art patrons and art enthusiasts will be able to attend the event in the person once again. And this should bring joy to the faces of many a an art fair lover, who in the past two years have not been able to enjoy a fully fledged art fair visit in person due to the global pandemic, Covid-19.
The venue for this year’s edition, however has not yet been disclosed, but is rumoured to be somewhere in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, in fact not far from the venue where the last art fair, allowing physical attendance took place, and that is Illovo in Johannesburg, CITYLIFE/ARTS understands.
“The art fair is heading underground from 21 – 24 July 2022 for its 10th edition. Turbine Art Fair (TAF) brings together galleries, artists and curators from around the country to present and sell contemporary art. The fair has become the epicentre of emerging art in Southern Africa, championing established and new talent in an accessible and inclusive environment. Founded in 2013 by The Forum Company, it is the first accessible and affordable South African art fair aimed at small scale and emerging galleries as well as emerging artists and collectors working toward growing the market for South African Contemporary art,” statement released by the organisers on Tuesday, may 24, 2022 states.
“We have always endeavoured to create a unique and relaxed environment for contemporary art to be showcased and experienced. We have and continue to push the boundaries for how Southern African art is presented and engaged with and 2022 will be no different. Visitors can expect a fresh, bold and edgy art fair at one of Jozi’s newest hotspots, a stone’s throw away from the art hub of the city – Rosebank. Watch this space for more details and the big venue reveal” says Glynis Hyslop, Founder of Turbine Art Fair.
The 2022 fair, and its location will play with themes of conventionality while exploring how far or ‘deep’ one can go to exhibit art. This playful, edgy and modern take on a fair will surely excite any and all lovers of art as we curate an undoubtedly unique experience that will surely make a mark on Joburg’s social and cultural calendars.
Each year TAF showcases a series of special projects which are a huge drawcard for visitors to the Fair.
TAF Unearthed: developed by Turbine Art Fair, this is a 6 month mentorship programme for 10 emerging artist which covers the business of art and art mentorship and culminates in a curated group exhibition of their work.
The 2022 selected artists are: Aneesah Girie, Danna Margo, Gemma Sheppard, Lambi Chibambo, Lerato Ntili, Natali Downing, Pholile Hlongwane, Themba Given Msiza, Tshegofatso Tlatsi & Tumelo Mtklu. The artists will be mentored by: Teboho Ralesai.
TAF off the Grid: Curated by Maja Marx in 2022, TAF Off The Grid is dedicated to mid-career artists outside of the main gallery circuit in an effort to support and sustain their careers.
TAF Talent: This is the graduate show: a curated exhibition of the top talent from the graduating and Masters classes of the SA universities.
The project will be curated: Michaela Limberis and assisted by Siwa Mgoboza.
TAF Talks & Walkabouts: Visitors to the Fair can take part in a curated selection of talks aimed at educating developing art audience and will include insights and interviews with artists and curators. The talks will take place at the Fair and virtually and are free to visitors attending TAF 2022. Walkabouts will take place daily with artists, curators and key people in the art arena of South Africa.
TAF Capsule: This year TAF will be showcasing a featured artwork by renowned artist, Pat Mautloa, recognized as one of the pioneers of modernist painting in South Africa. Mautloa will be showing large scale work that is broken up in multiple smaller pieces, all to be sold separately. This will allow young collectors to experience how it feels to own a piece of art, literally without owning the whole piece. Highlighting one of the goals of TAF – making art collecting accessible to young collectors. This special project is aimed at considering what it may be like to rethink the conventional approach to investing, democratizing the art investment world which is often only accessible to the few people who can afford it
“We are delighted to welcome back many of our longstanding galleries who have supported us throughout the years as well as a host of new and exciting ones into the mix this year. With the help of our esteemed selection panel, we believe that we have a really exciting line-up for visitors to TAF 22 with 34 exhibitors and 5 special projects featuring work across all artistic mediums such a prints and multiples, painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, textiles and so much more. There is really something for everyone” adds Hyslop.
Essential information to know about TAF 2022
Dates: 21 – 24 July 2022
Venue:To be announced: June 2022
Tickets: R150 online or R180 at the door.
VIP First Access: Thurs 21 July from 10 – 4: R500 (incl. Coffee & Cake
VIP Cocktail Thurs 21 July 6pm: R800 (incl. Food & drinks)