Spoil Your Senses at the 5th Turbine Art Fair in Jozi

When in Rome, do like the Romans. Even if you know very little about Rome or the Romans, right? Well, when in Jozi this weekend, do like Joburgers & visit The Turbine Art Fair (from 14 – 16 July 2017). Even if you know very little about art. Especially when you know little about art, because what makes TAF so unique is that it aims to provide an amazing experience for both art lovers & those looking to learn more about South Africa’s rich art scene. TAF is very specifically not exclusively for art guru’s & promises to be fun & un-daunting. It is even child-friendly!

Now in its 5^th year, TAF is a treat for all the senses with the very best in contemporary & South African Art, live music & mouthwatering artisan food (by the Forum Company) all curated within the iconic Turbine Hall.

“With over 50 galleries & exhibits from across South Africa there’s bound to be something to catch everyone’s eye,” says Glynis Hyslop, TAF Fair Director.

What sets TAF apart?

All applications – including experienced artists, early career artists & students who have never exhibited before – were carefully considered to ensure compliance with the core values of the fair & its organisers.

Exhibitors whether galleries, collectives or dealers were invited to exhibit contemporary artwork priced below R50 000 (incl VAT), however, the majority of art will be selling at R5 000 – R10 000 making it more affordable for a larger number of people.  For safety & security, TAF is also a completely cashless this year. The organisers also hope that every artist will sell something during the fair.

Be sure to join the free daily talks sponsored by Artinsure & curated by Art Advisor, Makgati Molebatsi. Guided walkabouts with artists & curators will take place twice daily on Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

Exciting one-hour kiddies walkabouts (for 6+ year) with Mia & Robyn Penn will take place twice daily on both Saturday & Sunday (1 hour each).

A dedicated children’s area will also be available from 10:00 on Saturday & Sunday.

3 TAF not-to-be-missed highlights:

1. The Casspir Project (2016):

This magnificent installation artwork by Ralph Ziman that will be on show for the duration of TAF. This Casspir, called Spoek 1, is beaded with no less than 60 million (1 ton!) of glass beads!

Spoek 1 is covered in elaborate, brightly-colored panels made in traditional patterns & completed by artisans from Zimbabwe & Mpumalanga.

Ziman – visual artist & acclaimed filmmaker – & his team of up to 60 artists at a time turned this traditional killing machine into a symbol of hope.

2. The Pierneef exhibition from the collection of Anton Taljaard – proudly co-sponsored by Artinsure & Strauss & Co.

Taljaard is one of the foremost collectors of modern & contemporary South African art. This exhibition encompasses top examples from his collection ranging from etchings to watercolours & oil paintings, showing Pierneef’s diversity in all its splendour. Of special note is Anton’s collection of Pierneef’s etching plates used in his lifetime.

In addition, the Artist Proof Studio students will demonstrate the linocut technique as part of the exhibition. These students study Pierneef’s graphic work as part of their curriculum, & will demonstrate how their work is inspired by Pierneef himself.

3. Touch – The Graduate Painters Show.

“This exhibition will feature paintings which emphasise surface quality & texture in which the meaning of the work is made,” reads the press material. “This brings a wide variety of painterly forms into focus such as how thick layers of paint may heighten a sense of the psycho-somatic or how painting in ultra-thin layers provokes an experience of the ethereal.”

Hope to see you at TAF this weekend!

Yolandi ♥