The talk of this rebranded version of the fair is the reduced main section. Featuring blank projects, Everard Read, Gallery MOMO, Goodman Gallery, Kalashnikovv, SMAC Gallery, SMITH, Stevenson and WHATIFTHEWORLD. We’re looking forward to seeing how the compressed format works out, and if the gamble between prestige over extensiveness plays out. We’re sure these galleries will be putting on their A-game.
Athi-Patra Ruga, The Proposed Model for Francois Feral Benga Monument (1906-1957), 2018.
MAX
The MAX section of the fair is a space for large-scale works that won’t fit into a standard booth. We’ve always enjoyed the big stuff at fairs, and with a line up that includes some of our favourite artists, Igshaan Adams, Athi—Patra Ruga, Zanele Muholi, Misheck Masamvu, Brett Murray and Jody Paulsen, we’re hoping for bold and brave work.
Official After Party
An art fair wouldn’t be complete without parties, where the real work begins. The official party at Greenhouse has gotten us excited for their hip DJ line-up. Multi-talented Carla Fonseca will be performing, followed by a DJ set from her collaboration with Spoek Mathambo, Batuk Musica. Also playing is the all femme DJ duo Nodiggity. Expect Afro-house, fusion, gqom and eclectic mixes.
Artist’s Films at Egrek Cinema
It’s always better on the big screen, and the best at an independent cinema. It’s a rare occasion to see artist films in a cinema setting, rather than perched on a hard bench (or wearing headphones). Films by Shirin Neshat, Kiluanji Kia Henda, Herman De Klerk and Sitaara Stodel will be showing on Thursday and Saturday. Henda is a firm staff favorite at ArtThrob, so we’re keen.
Gallery Weekend
The local galleries are all open and doing big things over the weekend. There’s a plethora of things to do and see, but we want to highlight what seems like an awesome talk. CIRCA at Everard Read os hosting a panel discussion centred around their current exhibitions, Daniel ‘Kgomo’ Morolong and Hugh Masekela (In Photographs). Lead by Percy Mabandu with Lebohang Masango, Ashraf Jamal and Dr. Konji Sebati, this talk will be filled with a density of knowledge about art, photography and jazz.
LAB
Tonia Nneji, The Way It Is (III), 2019. 4ft x 4ft, Oil on canvas
LAB is a section of the fair catering to more experimental and fluid platforms. We’re looking forward to the presentations from Lagos-based galleries 16/16, hFACTOR (who may have the most sexy minimal website ever) and Rele. Also, look for Yebo from Eswatini where there is a nascent but exciting art scene.
Clarke’s Books
We were watching Clarke’s Books unpack their stock yesterday, and their collection of artist’s books and catalogues looks extensive and amazing. With a brick and cement store and people not algorithms, buy your books here.
Lucky Bread
It may or may not be true that ArtThrob staff survive through an art fair on coffee alone. But either way, Lucky Bread serve up a fine brew. We’re happy that they’re back again this year keeping us caffeinated.
ArtThrob Booth
Don’t forget to come check our booth, where we’re selling prints by William Kentridge, Zanele Muholi, David Goldblatt, Sam Nhlengethwa, Lisa Brice and many others.
