The Investec Cape Town Art Fair remains the largest contemporary art fair on the African continent, showcasing 124 exhibitors from across the globe, including leading galleries from Europe and the US specialising in contemporary art. Drawing over 30,000 art collectors and enthusiasts each year, the fair highlights the best contemporary art from Africa and around the world. The 2025 edition will feature 30 first-time exhibitors, the largest group of new galleries in the event's history.

Main attraction

The Main Section lies at the core of the fair, showcasing dynamic presentations of contemporary art by galleries from around the globe and highlights a diverse array of works, featuring both established and emerging artists who are redefining the boundaries of creativity. This includes the vibrant colours and textures of traditional Ghanaian textiles to the bold, contemporary statements of South African street art, each piece in this curated selection reveals the unique perspectives and experiences of its creator.

Vibrant voices of Ghana

Five prominent Ghanaian artists are bringing their vibrant and diverse works to the fair, each offering a unique perspective that resonates on the global art stage. Sarfo Emmanuel Annor (The Bridge Gallery, France), a 21-year-old visionary, creates colourful smartphone-created portraits that highlight the dreams and struggles of contemporary African youth, redefining modern Ghanaian identity. Whitney Chinonye Ernest (WCE), (Christopher Moller Gallery, South Africa), often presents her self-taught cultural storytelling, by bringing African heritage to life through vibrant visual journaling with pens, markers and acrylics.

Michael Gah, (Christopher Moller Gallery, South Africa) is known to challenge societal norms with his bold, hyper-coloured portraits of women, exploring themes of identity and the impact of social media. Ablade Glover's, (Christopher Moller Gallery, South Africa), dynamic oil paintings, have previously depicted the lively markets and urban landscapes of Ghana, celebrating the country's spirit through a blend of tradition and modernity. Lastly, Atta Kwami's (1956-2021), (Goodman Gallery, South Africa, UK and USA) work will continue to inspire with his legacy of geometric patterns influenced by Ewe and Ashanti cloth, jazz, and mural traditions—leaving a lasting mark on global collections. Together, these artists contribute to the dynamic evolution of contemporary African art.

Artists from other West African countries, including Nigeria and Benin, will also be featured and showcased at the upcoming Fair. Beninese artist Thierry Oussou is also participating in the second Stellenbosch Triennale, which runs from 19 February to 30 April 2025, coinciding with the fair. The Triennale serves as a platform for public art to engage critically with society, featuring an evolving programme of sound, sculpture, installations, photography, dance and more. Curated by Khanyisile Mbongwa, the 2025 theme BA'ZINZILE: A Rehearsal for Breathing explores breathing as both a vital act and a metaphor for resilience and survival.

The Fine Print

?            The 12th Investec Cape Town Art Fair will run from 21 to 23 February at the Cape Town International Conference Centre from 12h00 to 19h00.

?            Tickets can be purchased via webtickets.

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