FNB Joburg Art Fair: Keeping art alive!
Selokela Slu Molamodi
- FNB Art Joburg returned for its 18th edition at the Sandton Convention Centre, running from 4-7 September, celebrating the best of contemporary African art.
- The event featured a wide range of talented visual artists, with a focus on fostering new ideas, networks, and conversations within the art community.
- The fair provided a vibrant platform for art lovers and collectors to experience diverse works, including pieces by Johannesburg-based artist Levy Pooe, who explored themes of rest and consciousness.
This past weekend was one of the biggest in the world of art. The FNB Art Joburg returned to the Sandton Convention Centre for its 18th edition. The fair started on the 4th of September until the 7th of September. This year’s programme is built around distinct sections.
Various talented visual artists showcased their work at the centre. Art lovers and collectors were spoilt for choice as they enjoyed some of the finest art to ever hit Jozi. The fair’s aim was to celebrate Africa’s contemporary art landscape and engage deeply with critical discourse and emerging trends.
The convention centre, nestled in the heart of the richest square mile in Africa, burst with colour, texture, emotions and most importantly, community. Africa’s longest running contemporary art fair made the fist weekend of September one to remember. The FNB Art Joburg is more than a showcase, it was a platform for new ideas, networks and conversations in African art.
One of the artists that showcased their artwork was Johannesburg-based Levy Pooe. The visual artist whose practice unfolds at the intersection of the personal and the political.
Speaking to Kaya News, Pooe explained that for this fair, he chose to display his “se segolo ke bophelo” presentation.
“The common thread amongst these works is that in all different occupations, documenting what people do during their break at work,” he said.
He further added that some of his work was inspired by his travels to countries like Nigeria. Rest and consciousness were at the centre of his art work.
From abstract art to the most colourful displays, the fair was a great get-together for friends, family and lovers of creation. Paintings, bags, books and bubbles were for sale as people enjoyed the art pieces. Attendees had no choice to immerse themselves in a world of tangible imagination. It was an experience and a half for art fair regulars and first – time attendees!