The theme for the curated sections of the 2024 edition is Unbound, aiming to break free from “traditional” artistic boundaries and focus on emerging, diverse voices to encourage new possibilities. And these Joburg-based artists know just how to do that.
Adrian Fortuin, Guns & Rain
Emerging artist Adrian Fortuin is an exciting contemporary artist with a solo exhibition presented by Parkhurst's Guns & Rain. Fortuin’s paintings are characterised by a process of revision, in which the images are reworked so much so, that old paintings exist under newer paintings. Paint then becomes a metaphor for the presence of history in the present moment.Fortuin is one of nine artists featured in the Solo section curated by Sean O’Toole – Loopholes in the Walls of Darkness – which brings the longevity of the painting medium to the forefront. Look out for Fortuin’s site-specific drawing intervention created especially for this showcase!
If you will be there, don’t miss the Q&A in the Booth with Adrian Fortuin on Fri, Feb 16 from 13:00 – 14:00.
Chrisél Attewell, Berman Contemporary
Also included in the fair's Solo section is Chrisél Attewell. Attewell features new works and brings together dualities. The works appear as organic landscapes without boundaries. Her process of making involves walking, collecting, and thinking before she makes an image. She works in layers, then the canvas is cracked and broken to reveal its abrasions. Look out for her newest body of work on show at ICTAF.
Frances Goodman, SMAC
We’re always excited to see what feminist voice Frances Goodman will bring to the table at an art fair. From her sensational sequin works to her monstrous nail sculptures, Goodman excites and dazzles at a fair. Her latest medium of exploration is ceramics with her colourful sculptures of pills. These works are intriguing as they are larger than life and bring the norms of the human condition into question. Her work is included in the Cabinet/Clay section, where esteemed artists use this traditional medium to resonate with our current culture.
Pebofatso Mokoena, First Floor Gallery Harare
In his work, Alberton-born Pebofatso Mokoena creates his own visual language and symbolism, brought to life by figurative and abstract shapes. Mokoena’s work is included in many international and private collections and will be represented by First Floor Gallery Harare in the Main section of the ICTAF.
Lindokuhle Sobekwa, Goodman Gallery
We are excited to see the latest works by last year’s winner of the FNB Art Prize. Lindokuhle Sobekwa’s documentary photography visually conceptualises the complex reality of living in South Africa’s towns and cities. His creative and intimate style tells unique, contemporary stories of lived realities in powerful images that always spark conversation.Sobekwa is included in the Tomorrows/Today section which aims to highlight artists who will be tomorrow’s leading names. Showcasing alongside Sobekwa in Tomorrows/Today is another leading young Jo’burg artist… Boemo Diale.
Boemo Diale, Kalashnikovv
Boemo Diale grew up navigating the different social conditions in and around our beloved yet complex city – Johannesburg. As a result, her artworks interrogate her upbringing in the liminal spaces between rural and urban. Her works reflect nuances of gender, race, culture, identity, mental health, and spirituality. They are often a playful and colourful exploration of identity as a racially ambiguous black woman.
Natalie Paneng, Galerie EIGEN + ART (Leipzig, Berlin)
The innovation of new media has earned digital artist Natalie Paneng representation by German contemporary gallery, Galerie EIGEN + ART. Paneng’s work exists in the digital realm, and creates personas and experiences that are "boundless" – detaching from the physical realm. The results are utopian artistic landscapes, which focus on a post-human and even a post-digital age. At this year’s fair, the artist wants to create an immersive world for the viewer in the Tomorrows/Today section, one where the viewers can reflect on themselves. If you are at the fair, be sure to experience it for yourself!
The Tomorrows/Today Prize announcement will take place on Fri, Feb 16 from 17:00 – 17:30.
From Joburg to Cape Town, there is no doubt that creativity reigns supreme. The ICTAF is in its 11th edition and runs from Fri, Feb 16 – Sun, Feb 18.
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