Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2024: A Vibrant Showcase of Global Art

Stepping into the International Convention Centre Cape Town for this year's edition of the Investec Cape Town Art Fair felt akin to entering MoMA in New York City, with a bustling crowd eagerly queuing to immerse themselves in the world of art. After a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, the fair roared back to life, showcasing an incredible variety of booths from across the globe, with a notable emphasis on local artists and galleries.

Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2024. 

One of the highlights was the impressive array of works by Kimati Mafafo, presented by Ebony Gallery, offering a captivating perspective. However, it was the WALL booth from Cape Town that truly stole the show for me, boasting a stellar collection of South African masters alongside emerging talents, providing a privileged opportunity for the public to engage with these significant works.

Kimathi Mafafo, Sisters in Unison III, hand and machine stitched embroidery on fabric. Photo Courtesy of Khehla Chepape Makgato Photography.

The curated conversations between artists from different regions, such as Kimati Mafafo and Ayobami Ogungbe, showcased at Ebony/Curated and Rele Gallery respectively, added depth and richness to the experience, fostering an engaging dialogue among diverse artistic voices.

Dr. Esther Mahlangu's pieces at The Melrose Gallery added a vibrant touch, while Rorke's Drift booth offered a glimpse into history with Elina Xaba's intriguing embroidery piece, "The Elephant Hunt."

Elina Xaba, The Elephant Hunt, 1965. Photo Courtesy of Khehla Chepape Makgato 2024.

The commitment to showcasing artists from various countries, as exemplified by Movart booth from Luanda, was commendable, providing a platform for talent from diverse backgrounds to shine. David Brits' work, in particular, stood out with its innovative use of materials, captivating the viewer with its intricate beauty.

Another noteworthy booth was SOLO - "Loopholes In The Walls of Darkness," curated by Sean O'toole, featuring a selection of artists from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Egypt, and Iran. O'toole's insightful commentary on the nature of painting added depth to the exhibition, emphasizing the tangible and visceral experience of engaging with art in physical space.

While the fair showcased a wide range of artworks, art books, fashion, pottery, and food to international standards, there were some disappointments, notably the poorly hung collage and mixed media piece by the late Benon Lutaaya at Dale Sargent Fine Art booth. Lutaaya's contributions to the South African visual arts sector were immense, and his legacy continues to inspire emerging artists despite his untimely passing in 2019.

My top pick among the local art fairs, whether it's the Joburg Art Fair, Turbine Art Fair, or Cape Town Art Fair, is always the Artist Proof Studio booth. It stands out as one of the best booths, offering affordable limited print editions crafted through various printmaking techniques by the college's alumni. For aspiring art collectors looking to start their collection journey, this booth is a must-visit. Artist Proof Studio has nurtured talents who have made significant strides in the global art scene, and they often showcase collaborations with prominent figures in the arts, both locally and internationally. What's even more commendable is that their booth contributes to education and community development programs, making your purchase an investment in the future generation of artists.

Overall, the Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2024 was a resounding success, reaffirming its status as a premier platform for celebrating and engaging with the vibrant world of contemporary art.

Chepape Makgato is an independent artist and chief curator at William Humphreys Art Gallery.