What to expect at Keyes Art Night at Keyes Art Mile

27 Jan 2025

See Samurai Farai's solo at Origin Art. Photo: Samurai Farai.

Delectable cocktails at Freshly Ground. Photo: Freshly Ground.

The view of Rosebank from Marble restaurant is one of our favourites. Photo: Marble.

On the first Thursday of February (Feb 6 from 17:00), there's no better place to be than the vibrant Keyes Art Mile for Keyes Art Night.

Painter and sculptor Samurai Farai's excellent solo continues its run at Origin Art, pulling on the threads of his heritage. At the entrance to the Annex space, you'll find an interactive artwork by Cameron-Lee Olivier, while the new art kids on the block bring their work to the Atrium.

As always, Keyes delivers when it comes to food and drinks. Grab something tasty at the Roses mixers pop-up bar in the Atrium, and try Kanpai, where the glam selfie crowd sips on good cocktails. Unwind with a view at Marble, or keep it easy with classic burgers at BGR. If something sweet is what you're after, Pantry is your go-to for affordable soft serve. There'll be live music at Freshly Ground and, when all is seen and done, round the night off with DJ sets at Mix Cocktail Bar.

Keep reading for all the details.

Threads of heritage in Samurai Farai's solo

Samurai Farai pays homage to his ancestral ties in 'Masks of Modernity'. Photo: Origin Art.

In his mixed media solo exhibition Masks of Modernity at Origin Art, Samurai Farai explores his dual heritage – Zimbabwean and Afrikaans – to uncover the complexities of hybridisation and cultural legacy. It's a poignant theme in a country like South Africa, where these kinds of dualities are part of so many of our identities.

"With a deliberate homage to ancestral ties and a heartfelt celebration of hybridity, Farai bridges the ancient and the modern by channelling inspiration from historical African civilisations. His sculptures, crafted from Zimbabwean stone in reverence to Shona masterful sculpting traditions, breathe life into his paintings' characters, embodying them in three-dimensional form," reads the curatorial statement.

Kick-start your art collection

Find artworks you love that won't break the bank. Photo: Origin Art.

Discover masterpieces that won't break the bank with Unlocking Your Collection at Origin Art. This edition spotlights prints by Samurai Farai as well as the artists who participated in the gallery's last group show, Nostalgia and Place. Best of all? Nothing is more than R5,000. In the often intimidating world of art, Unlocking Your Collection is a deliberate step towards welcoming art lovers of all levels into the fold.

Art that's interactive

Make your mark with Cameron-Lee Oliver's interactive piece outside the Annex. The artist's statement reads: "Concrete Memory, investigates the city’s dynamic, palimpsestic nature, where layers of history, culture, and individual experience converge. Visitors are invited to contribute to the work and become part of a collective narrative, one that reflects the diversity and complexity of urban life."

See work by recent grads

The third iteration of this annual exhibition, The Kids These Days Vol. 3 opens on Thu, Feb 6 in the Atrium. Featuring the work of recent fine art graduates, this exhibition showcases a variety of media, methodologies, and concepts. It also gives insight into the specific practices and perspectives that are shaping the future of contemporary art in Joburg.

Where to eat and drink

Tuck into something tasty between art stops. Photo: Kanpai.

While art is front and centre at Keyes Art Night, you certainly won't be leaving hungry given all that Keyes has to offer on the dining front. Enjoy beautifully crafted sushi at the Japanese-fusion restaurant Kanpai or giant tiger prawns on the hibachi grill at The Prawnery. Book via Dineplan. Freshly Ground has an expanded menu and now serves drinks. For a tried and true favourite, add tasty Asian street food to the line-up at Momo Kuro on the top floor of the Trumpet building, or try the ramen at Momo's street-level store. Burger and fries? Keep it easy at BGR. Unwind with sunset drinks at Marble (also in the swanky Trumpet building), and if soft serve is your thing, head down the parking lot stairs to Pantry. At just eighteen bucks a pop, you'll be glad we told you.

Easy beats at MIX Cocktail Bar

Always great sounds at Keyes Art Mile's MIX Cocktail Bar. Photo: MESH Club.

Once you've caught up with all the Keyes art offerings, head upstairs to MIX Cocktail Bar at MESH Club for something to sip on while you jam to DJs HurbzMann, Franadilla, D.J. HOBS, and MassMaine.