RMB Turbine Art Fair (RMB TAF) is on the move to a new and bigger venue for the 7th edition of the Fair. Since its inception in 2013, RMB TAF has grown extensively year on year and 2019 will see the most substantial Fair yet in a new location – 10 Fricker Rd, Illovo from July 12 – 14 with a preview evening on July 11.
DIANE DE BEER looks more closely:
One of the exciting art prospects is an artist who has developed her art with a view of speaking her mind – loudly – and she does that with valour.
Hannalie Taute describes her work as in a constant state of evolution, which in itself mirrors many of the ideas behind her art. One central theme or unifying characteristic, she says, is the repeated exploration of identity and/or relationships within what she calls her paracosmic fantasy.
If all of this sounds a little out there, it is, and it isn’t. This is an artist who doesn’t shy away from putting her heart and mind out there. She often addresses gender issues – but uses both her harsher instincts as well as a sense of humour to speak her mind visually. Shock and laughter often come together when exploring her work.
She examines identity and relationships in a way that probes the duality and conflict people often have with many or even conflicting identities to which they answer to.
This kind of thinking is most striking in the work that Taute will be bringing to the Turbine Art Fair, ranging from figurative toy-like creatures to altered portraits as well as large embroideries.
Characteristic of the work of this Still Bay-based artist is the use of the traditionally black recycled rubber inner tractor tubes with embroidered thread with which she is continuing to create her paracosmos as a way of orienting herself in reality.
The coarseness of the rubber is counteracted by the delicacy of the thread, but this is subverted, as often the stitching and composition of the rubber inner tubes are delicate and the thread seems almost rough in its arrangement. Taute wants the medium of the piece to interact with the subject matter in a way that forces the viewer to engage and question her art. This is an artist in conversation with her prospective viewers.
She is perhaps best known for her strong showings at local art festivals where she received the Kanna award for best visual presentation at the 2014 Klein Karoo Art Festival (KKNK) as well as several nominations throughout the years. In 2017 she also gloriously represented South Africa at the Museum Rijswijk Yextile Biennale in the Netherlands.
Her work will be presented by Tshwane’s Millenium Gallery and the artist will also be present at the Fair. Just remember before you start talking, she never promised you a rose garden, or that is what her art says.
Other artists shown by Ronel van der Vyver’s Groenkloof gallery include Berco Wilsenach, currently part time lecturer at the University of Pretoria as well as presenting workshops on a regular basis at the Kunstakademie, Düsseldorf while also completing a PhD in Visual Studies. He won the PPC Young Sculpture’s Award (1997) and the ABSA L’Atelier (2005).
Classics like Norman Catherine, Colbert Mashile and Anton Karstel will also feature.
Think Art on the Move, says TAF: “Our vision has always been to develop young artists and grow the market for African art and elevate art collecting across a wider market. Visitors will be able to view exciting installations, larger gallery spaces and a more conceptually curated Fair but in the relaxed environment that has always been the signature of Turbine Art Fair ” says Fair Founder, Glynis Hyslop.
Proudly partnered for a second year by RMB, TAF is a unique South African art collaboration that brings together galleries and artists from around the country to present and sell works.
RMB TAF, they promise, is not just an art fair but an all-encompassing cultural experience for visitors, with artisanal food and beverages and vibrant entertainment programme. It also differentiates itself from other South African art fairs through its accessible pricing strategy. The selling price of artworks generally falls between R1 000 and R50 000, which presents opportunities to savvy investors and new buyers.
They present a series of special projects for visitors to view during the Fair as well as a multidisciplinary public programme curated by Kefiloe Siwisa and Nomvuyo Horwitz – titled The Year of the mirror which will include performance art, music, screenings, masterclasses and a children’s programme, talks and walkabout series. The talks and walkbaouts are offerd to the public for free and on a first come first serve basis. The full list of talks, speakers panelists and talk times can be found at http://www.turbineartfair.co.za.
Radio partner Kaya FM will be broadcasting live from the Fair on Saturday 13th July.
Dates: 12 – 14 July 2019
Venue: 10 Fricker Rd Illovo, JHB
Tickets: R120 via Webtickets or R150 at door
Weekend pass: R250 via webtickets or R300 at door
Children R100: 4 years & older Includes access to children’s arts area and children’s walkabout on a first come first serve basis
Students & Pensioners: R100 at door and R80 via Webtickets (Friday only)
VIP opening night (11th July): R750 via Webtickets only and will include Performances by Gregory Maqoma (founder & executive director of Vuyani Dance Group) and Mabuta
FAIR HIGHLIGHTS & SPECIAL PROJECTS
- RMB Talent Unlocked is an emerging artist and curator mentorship program that started in 2014 under the name Fresh Produce. The workshop programme culminates with a curated booth by Fulufhelo Mobadi at the RMB Turbine Art Fair.
- A Meeting of Minds: Louis Khehla Maqhubela and Douglas Portway Presented by Strauss & Co
- Market Photo Workshop alumni exhibition
- Dumisani Mabaso benefit exhibition – as an artist and printmaker, Dumisani’s life and work is inextricably linked to the history of South African Art.
- The Graduate Exhibition curated by Kefiloe Siwisa in collaboration with Maja Marx for some fabulous work of artists who are at the beginning of their artistic careers.
- The new space lends itself perfectly to installations and visitors will see the likes of Nkhensani Rihlampfu presented by M Studio Community and Jake Singer.
- Gerard Sekoto Foundation will be presenting an exhibition.
De Beer Necessities 
Reblogged this on hannalie taute.
… edit … benefit exhibition for Dumesane Mabaso. He was one of my art lecturers at the Johannesburg Art Foundation.
Reblogged this on petrujviljoen and commented:
Celebrating and updating the arts and much more!!