Namibian artists head to Cape Town Art Fair

Invested Cape Town Art Fair returns to the Cape Town International Convention Centre this week and within its programme of exhibitions, art talks and tours are four Namibians.

Featuring Stephané Edith Conradie, Tangeni Kambudu, Anne Lacheiner-Kuhn and Maria Mbereshu alongside over 120 exhibitors from across the globe, the 12th edition of the prestigious fair will take place from 21 to 23 February under the theme of ‘PLAY’.

“Through ‘PLAY’, Investec Cape Town Art Fair offers a space where the boundaries between creator and viewer are fluid, and where art itself becomes a living, interactive experience,” says fair director Laura Vincenti. “Rather than being a passive observation of aesthetic objects, ‘play’ invites the audience to actively participate.”

Lacheiner-Kuhn and Mbereshu, exhibiting in collaboration with Windhoek’s The Project Room, will both be making their Investec Cape Town Art Fair debut in the ‘Lookout’ section.

Known for her surreal, often tongue-in-cheek collages exploring identity and sexuality, Lacheiner-Kuhn will be rising to the occasion of the theme through a series of moving collages, as well as in a new exploration of embroidered playing cards titled ‘What the Butler Saw’.

“Art, very much like anything else, goes through phases where certain mediums and certain subjects become more relevant,” she says.

“That doesn’t mean you change what you do. But it’s important to be on top of what’s happening in the rest of the continent.”

Lacheiner-Kuhn also anticipates meeting gallerists she has been in contact with online, as well as her former university lecturers.

“It’s very exciting to just be on that level and to be seen on that level with other artists.”

Mbereshu, who will be exhibiting a relatively muted version of her signature spoon and home inspired textiles, says she is looking forward to connecting to the global arts industry.

Investec Cape Town Art Fair regularly attracts more than 30 000 art collectors and enthusiasts from around the globe to a showcase of premium contemporary art from Africa and around the world.

“I will have an opportunity to network on an international level and to see artists from different countries’ work,” says Mbereshu.

Conradie and Kambudu, who are both returning to the fair, will be exhibiting in the ‘Main’ section with Cape Town’s WHATIFTHEWORLD.

Expanding on his investigation of human behaviour through glass and mirrors, Kambudu is enthusiastic about his own showing but particularly enthused by the prospect of viewing Namibian art throughout Cape Town’s art season.

“Investec Cape Town Art Fair provides opportunities for art enthusiasts to discover new ways, new values and to explore new subjects. I look forward to seeing Namibian artists via The Project Room at their booth,” says Kambudu.

“On 19 February, SMAC Gallery in Stellenbosch will also host an exhibition of Namibian artists and Tuli Mekondjo will present a performance at the Stellenbosch Triennale’s opening. I will be in attendance.”

Conradie will be presenting a mixed media assemblage titled ‘lekkende en aansteeklike rotsdier’ which references the pitfalls of uranium mining in Namibia.

Reflecting on the Investec Cape Town Art Fair, Conradie believes it is an opportunity for African artists to dive into authenticity and context-driven reflection.

“Hopefully it means that we do not have to pander to Western expectations but can challenge how art is viewed in more local contexts.”

– martha@namibian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com