Contra.Joburg promises curated, unscripted artistic experiences
Contra.Joburg, an art fairaimed at getting people into artists’ studios, will be taking place from August 30-31.
Not only is Contra.Joburg returning with a disruptive, unscripted celebration of contemporary African art, but promises the unexpected.
Contra.Joburg hosted a media launch on August 20 for an overview of what August 30 and 31 will be like.
Speaking at Stephan Welz & Co. in Waverley, where the Vintage Vanguard exhibition is housed, was Contra.Joburg’s founder, Sara Hallatt who explained that the mission of the art fair was to get people into artists’ studios.
“It is for audiences to see the length and breadth of creativity that exists within Johannesburg. We are a unique city and very few cities in the world have as many creative people practising in a small space.”
The festival will host over 170 visual artists, designers and makers across unconventional spaces in the CBD of Johannesburg, from rooftops and alleyways to galleries and forgotten buildings.
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Hallatt stressed the importance of supporting artists over the two days they’d be exhibiting. “What we need is for audiences to meet the incredible talent that we have. There will be performances, demonstrations and opportunities for the audience to purchase art.”
She added that purchasing was important because, without artists, we would have no creativity, and artists required financial support to further their creativity.
The media tour’s second studio visit was with Senzeni Marasela at Ellis House, which was an intimate glimpse into her creative world.
The third visit was to a new gallery, Asisebenze Art Gallery at the Aegis Building.
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