Turbine Art Fair 2022 goes underground

For the 10th edition of SA’s first accessible art fair, the Turbine Art Fair will be heading underground from July 21-24. Turbine, known for bringing accessible and affordable contemporary art to the people, is aimed at small-scale and emerging galleries, as well as artists and collectors. Founded in 2013 by the Forum Company, the fair works towards growing the market for SA art.

“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,” said Glynis Hyslop, founder of Turbine Art Fair.

2022’s fair, and the as-yet-to-be-announced location, will explore themes of conventionality with a playful tone. Curating a modern and edgy experience for exhibitors and visitors alike. As with previous iterations, numerous special projects will take place such as TAF Unearthed, a six-month mentorship programme for 10 selected artists, which culminates in a group exhibition. This year’s selected artists are Aneesah Girie, Danna Margo, Gemma Sheppard, Lambi Chibambo, Lerato Ntili, Natali Downing, Pholile Hlongwane, Themba Given Msiza, Tshegofatso Tlatsi and Tumelo Mtklu. TAF Off the Grid, curated by Maja Marx, supports and sustains the careers of mid-career artists while TAF Talent is a curated exhibition of recent graduates from local universities.

Visitors to the fair will be able to take part in a curated selection of educative talks and walkabouts with artists and curators. They will take place at the fair and within the virtual realm and are free daily to visitors. A featured large-scale artwork by the renowned artist Pat Mautloa, recognised as a pioneer of SA modernism, will be broken up into smaller pieces to allow young collectors to experience art ownership. This will highlight the goal of the fair to make art accessible, democratise art investment and rethink conventionality.

“We are delighted to welcome back many of our long-standing 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 five 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,” Hyslop said.

Dates: July 21-24.

Venue: To be announced in June.

Tickets: R150 online or R180 at the door; weekend pass: R300 (Fri- Sun.)

VIP First Access: Thurs July 21 from 10am-4pm: R500 (including coffee and cake.)

VIP Cocktail: Thurs July 21 at 6pm: R800 (including food and drinks.)