Be part of the engaging art experience
TAF has become synonymous with its special projects programme and 2023 will not disappoint, with the long-standing projects back, as well as the introduction of some new additions.
The Turbine Art Fair (TAF) has become the epicentre of emerging art in South Africa bringing together galleries, artists, and curators from around the country to present and sell contemporary art. Now, TAF is headed into its second decade, and celebrating this milestone with a bold move to its new home at Hyde Park Corner, from 27 – 30 July 2023.
“TAF has always been a sensorial Fair, where the experience of art becomes an event, not just a passive viewing, or a simple ‘fair’. To celebrate and enhance this interactive, involving, and immersive experience of art we are thrilled to be moving into a fabulous new venue at Hyde Park Corner in 2023. The TAF location has always been at the forefront of the experience. We are known as a fair that takes art out of ‘traditional’ venues to enable art to be experienced, not just browsed. It is a place for new voices, and new perspectives making art accessible, undaunting and fun! We believe we have curated an innovative and exciting art experience that will take art fairs in South Africa to the next level,” says founder Glynis Hyslop.
Over the years TAF has positioned itself as an Art Fair that understands the importance of visibility, by championing emerging artists and galleries while showcasing established artists and providing an innovative and dynamic experience for visitors. It has become synonymous with accessible art and the innovative use of non-traditional art exhibition spaces.
TAF 23 – The Engaging Art Experience will showcase 30 exhibitors and 10 special projects. This will include a range of galleries from across South Africa, secondary market dealers, print studios, artist organisations, collectives, and project spaces with the ongoing aim of exhibiting emerging artists and mid-career artists to emerging and established collectors and audiences.
“The public has embraced the ethos of TAF over the last decade we have been in existence, and they have built a long-standing, trusted relationship with the fair, which provides them with a safe and curated space in which to buy good quality South African contemporary art,” continues Hyslop.
TAF 23 continues to evolve, push boundaries, educate and go beyond the norms of a traditional art fair, appealing to both the seasoned art collector as well as those wanting to start the art collecting journey. “TAF’23 – The Engaging Art Experience is about celebrating the evolution of Turbine Art Fair as it enters its second decade. I’m looking to articulating this with dynamic installations and a more engaged offering,” adds Tiaan Nagel, the creative director of Turbine Art Fair.
TAF has become synonymous with its special projects programme and 2023 will not disappoint, with the long-standing projects back, as well as the introduction of some new additions. TAF23 projects include:
TAF CAPSULE – Usha Seejarim: Turbine Art Fair has selected established South African artist Usha Seejarim as the 2023 TAF Capsule featured artist. The project highlights one of the goals of TAF – making art collecting accessible to young collectors and aims to engage & educate audiences on investing in art in a tangible way. Each year the selected artist will create a large scale artwork comprised of smaller works that can be purchased individually or in groupings.
OFF THE GRID – A return to abstraction: Off the Grid is dedicated to artists outside of the main gallery circuit in an effort to support and sustain their careers. The 2023 edition is curated by Ashraf Jamal and features Gail Behrmann, Refiloe Mnisi, Alexandra Khazin, Daniel Chimurere & Samson Minsi.
ON THE GRID – A parallel to TAF’s Off the Grid project, will showcase artists whose careers have been launched through one of TAF’s programmes, and who currently have gallery representation or partnerships and have elevated their careers beyond an emerging practice. On the Grid will take place in collaboration with each artist’s representing gallery and aims to show the importance of investing in artists at the early stage of their careers.
TAF UNEARTHED – A six-month mentorship programme for emerging artists which covers the business of art and art mentorship and culminates in a curated group exhibition of their work. Artists are mentored by industry professionals, they engage in multiple peer mentoring sessions, are introduced to additional galleries, curators and writers and receive financial and mental health training. Curated by Teboho Ralesai, the 2023 mentorship features Chloe Shain, Keabetswe Seema, Michael Vickers, Ivukuvuku & Kaelik Dullaart
TAF TALENT – The fair’s annual graduate exhibition of the top talent from the graduating and masters classes of the SA universities and creative schools. The 2023 exhibition if focused on creating connection and community between students within the various institutions. Subtitled: I now pronounce you a community. Curated by Shenaz Mahomed.
TAF TALKS – A selection of talks focused on engaging collectors, art enthusiasts and artists. The programme includes a series of fair walkabouts by selected curators, artists and creatives industry experts. The 2023 programme will be curated by Palesa Motsomi.
TAF DIGITAL – A selection of digital media works from contemporary South African Artists, including NFTS, video game installations, video & photography.
SCULPT – A selection of sculpture and installations from independent contemporary south African artists, spread across the fair and Hyde Park Corner.
TAF SOUNDS – An electric sonic experience curated by The Dig and Kabelo Mofokeng. This new addition to TAF promises to be informative, interactive, and groovy. You can look forward to soundscapes by some of South Africa’s finest thinkers, engaging talks, and vibrant music.
TAF KIDS – TAF’s annual Kids programme is partnering with Lamy & David Krut Projects to provide fun filled creative activities including live reading sessions and arts and crafts for all ages.
“TAF23 is art, fashion, social, investment, community, fun and so much more! TAF 2023 will be a place to meet, to share the love of art, of learning and embracing the multi-cultural energy that is uniquely South African, we can’t wait to see you there,” concludes Hyslop.
Early bird tickets start from R150 and will be available via Webtickets https://www.webtickets.co.za/event.aspx?itemid=1529262505 or link on www.turbineartfair.co.za from 12 May.
TAF Friends ticket special: For a group booking of five or more people general access tickets are R150.
