With an ambitious events programme and over 80 exhibitors spanning two large halls at the CTICC, the Cape Town Art Fair 2017 is the largest incarnation of the event to date. 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:
-
Live performance art:
Internationally renowned Donna Kukama will perform a new work entitled Chapter L: Where Rain Clouds Gathered at 18h00 on Friday 17 February 2017 in the Talks Auditorium. (Programme)
-
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. (Unframed)
-
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.
-
Investment Opportunity:
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.
-
Talks Programme:
An array of talks are scheduled daily in the auditorium, featuring local and global heavyweights. (Programme)
-
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.
-
Drinks + Bites:
Cape Town is rolling out the red carpet for the art fair. At the CTICC, food for all ages, coffees, and drinks are available. A VIP Lounge with furniture supplied by OnSite Gallery is a new expanded addition to the fair for buyers and exhibitors. The After Hours Bar at the Gin Bar at 64 Wale Street offers a quiet reprieve in the evenings. Support from top suppliers around the world means that world-class bartenders and top champagnes will be available.
-
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. (Programme)
-
One Man Jumping Castle:
Test your legs on this inflatable creation by Michael Linders 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.
-
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.
