ART FOR EVERYONE
To celebrate the fifth year of the Turbine Art Fair, Roberta Thatcher asks fair director Glynis Hyslop to share five not-to-be-missed highlights
Since its inception in 2013, the annual Turbine Art Fair has proved a launch pad for many artists and galleries, and a catalyst for a new audience of South Africans to discover the joy of art collecting. The only accessible art fair in the country, TAF limits the prices of all artworks on sale to R50 000 including VAT, and the works, by emerging and established artists alike, are presented in a fun and undaunting way. The fair returns to Turbine Hall in Johannesburg next weekend, and if you’re looking to invest in art for your home, this is a great, non-intimidating place to start.
5 THINGS TO CATCH AT THIS YEAR’S FAIR
1 “A highlight of this year is the exhibition of Pierneef works from the collection of Anton Taljaard,” says Hyslop. “It encompasses top examples from Taljaard’s collection, ranging from etchings to watercolours and oil paintings, showing the artist’s diversity in all its splendour.” 2 “We’re also excited to be exhibiting Ralph Ziman’s Spoek 1, a Casspir adorned in over 60 million beads,” says Hyslop. The impressive artwork — which is not for sale — will be positioned outside Turbine Art Fair, where visitors can get an up-close view of the incredible workmanship and vision that has gone into this artwork. 3 With education being an integral element, Hyslop is proud to once again present the Artinsure talks and walkabouts. This year’s programme is curated by Makgati Molebatsi. “The talks will expose visitors to the whole spectrum of collecting or acquiring art; from the perspective of an established collector to young, early collectors as well as artists as collectors,” says Hyslop. 4 “The emerging painters show is in its third year, and has grown from strength to strength,” says Hyslop. “It showcases some of the best new talent coming out of universities and art schools and offers an opportunity to buy really good work at the start of the artists’ careers.” 5 The food and lifestyle elements of the fair are not to be missed. “Visitors will be able to enjoy live music, delicious street-style food, coffee, and a children’s area — there is something for the whole family.” And if you want to be among the first to see the art, book tickets for the “first access” preview evening where canapés and drinks will be available.