5 Things To Look Forward To at The RMB Turbine Art Fair 2019

WORDS Amelia Brown

Now in its seventh year, the 2019 RMB Turbine Art Fair (RMB TAF) runs from 12 – 14 July at a new location, 10 Fricker Road, Illovo, Joburg. 

Bringing together artists and galleries from around South Africa to present and sell works, the fair provides a rich cultural experience for visitors. In addition to an interactive multidisciplinary public programme, including something for children, you can expect stimulating entertainment and artisanal food and drinks. Here are five not-to-be-missed events for 2019:

• The Year of the Mirror curated by Nomvuyo Horwitz and Kefiloe Siwisa

For the RMB TAF Public Programme, its curators have “sought to ignite wakeful practice, mindful reflections and (thought) activations on issues related to art production, critique, structures of education and sustainability, and models of the future in our contemporary (South) African context.” The talks and walkabouts are offered to the public for free and on a first come, first serve basis.

The Spurs by Billy Monk, 6 February 1968

• Billy Monk – Shot in the Dark

Billy Monk was something of a legend in Cape Town in the 1960s, and his black-and-white photographs of dockside nightlife reveal an underground South Africa. This documentary, Billy Monk – Shot in the Dark, which forms part of the RMB TAF public programme, reveals a little-known slice of SA history and some of his own colourful and tragic story. Watch the trailer here.

• Artist Talk: Between Worlds with Helen Sebedi

As part of the panel discussions and artist talks, Between Worlds is an intergenerational conversation with icon Mmakgabo Mapula Helen Sebidi and curators Kefiloe Siwisa and Nomvuyo Horwitz. View the full programme of talks on the site.

• The Graduate Exhibition curated by Kefiloe Siwisa in collaboration with Maja Marx

Showcasing the exciting work of talented artists at the beginning of their careers, the Graduate Exhibition, now in its fifth year, is a favourite with fairgoers and presents a great opportunity for budding collectors.

• RMB TAF Walkabouts

Art specialists and cultural enthusiasts host informative daily walkabouts on a first come, first serve basis. Keep an eye on the site for the full list released ahead of the fair.

Tickets for adults cost R120 online, through Webtickets, or R150 at the door; R250 online for a weekend pass, or R300 at the door. Tickets for children four years and older cost R100 and include access to the children’s arts area and children’s walkabout, on a first come, first serve basis. Students’ and pensioners’ tickets are R100 at the door and R80 online for Friday only. Tickets for VIP Opening Night on 11 July can be purchased online only.

The RMB TAF is located at 10 Fricker Road, Illovo, Joburg. For more information, visit turbineartfair.co.za.