What to expect at the hybrid 2021 Turbine Art Fair

Thirty SA exhibitors, a host of inspiring special projects, featured artists and artisanal food and drink will all be on offer for the duration of the fair.

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“We are delighted to be able to bring Turbine Art fair back in 2021. People are hungry for experiences and to reconnect again in person. They are also hungry for good quality art and an in person visual experience after so long. We hope to be able to cater for all this in a safe and well controlled environment” says Glynis Hyslop, Founder of Turbine Art Fair.

“We have a great selection of galleries which include those who have regularly shown at Turbine Art Fair as well as a selection of new galleries and collectives. The artists and work on show have been carefully selected by the Turbine Art Fair Committee to ensure the quality visitors have come to expect from Taf. An extensive and diverse virtual Talks Programme, in partnership with Itoo Artinsure will take place alongside the fair and will be available on the website. The Taf Talks programme will offer visitors to the fair an opportunity to learn and engage across a wide variety of issues and topics pertaining to the art ecosystem in South Africa and globally. There really is something for everyone” comments Gail Bosch, Itoo Artinsure.

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Taf projcts:

Taf Unearthed: is a creative mentorship programme. Formerly known as the annual Fresh Produce & Talent Unlocked artist mentorship programme, Taf has enhanced and innovated the structure of its mentorship to address the needs of artists and prepare and propel them through uncertainty. The 2021 artists will be mentored by Nkhensani Rihlampfu and Thembi Matroshe. The group exhibition will be curated by Thembi Matroshe. Selected artists are: Angel Valerio, Ayesha Mukadam, Fumani Khumalo, Imaan Latif, Isabeau Joubert, James Thomas, Jennifer Zaharieva, Navel Seakamela, Sizani Baloyi & Tshepo Moloi.

Taf Off the Grid: Curated by Karel Nel, Off the Grid is a new feature exhibition in the Taf Special Projects programme which will highlight 4 mid-career South African artists. Each artist will present a capsule solo exhibition of their work at the fair. Aimed at supporting the careers of artists, this exhibition provides an opportunity to highlight artists outside of the main gallery circuit, to re-introduce them to the market and give them a platform to sustain their practice. Exhibiting artists are: Christelle Viviers, Collen Maswanganyi, Derrick Nxumalo & Joni Brenner. This exhibition is insured and supported by ITOO Artinsure and the forum company.

Sculpt: an exhibition showcasing a selection of contemporary site-specific sculptural works by artists from Southern Africa, from Taf’s exhibitor list and artists not represented by galleries.

Sublime – Immersive Multimedia Experiences:  Inspired by Pace Gallery’s Superblue projects, Taf will showcase one immersive multimedia art. Taf aims to provide South African artists an opportunity to push the boundaries of their practice by creating an immersive art experience never before experienced in SA and change the way people understand and engage with art.

The Graduate Show: is an exhibition of a selection of exceptional art students currently in their 4th/ final year visual art studies or graduating master students. The 2021 Graduate Show will be curated by Simangaliso Sibiya and mentor Tammy Langtry.

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Visitors will be able to view the fair in person from 1 – 3 October or book a VIP preview slot on 30 September. Visitors will need to pre-book their tickets as well as their viewing slots online, as no tickets will be sold at the door. Regrettably children under 12 years will not be allowed. All visitors will be screened before entering and be required to present a vaccination card, digital vaccination card or a picture of their vaccination card clearly indicating their name and ID. Visitors may also present negative Covid-19 test (72 hours or less) to enter the fair or take a rapid test (at a cost of R185 at the door).

Tickets can be bought via turbineartfair.co.za/tickets