INTERVIEWED BY Malibongwe Tyilo
The fifth annual Cape Town Art Fair (CTAF) takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 17 to 19 February 2017. The new curator, New York-based Tumelo Mosaka, took time out to chat to us.
Having worked abroad over the last couple of decades, in your opinion, how has the western view towards African art changed/moved on?
In some ways western views have changed; African art is no longer limited to masks. However, it has not escaped the fascination of being the other. People are slowly coming to terms with the fact that Africa is more dynamic and complex than previously considered. Debunking existing stereotypes remains a constant struggle, which refuses to acknowledge Africa’s connection to the West. So any effort to present a different image of Africa is usually met with resistance, but this is important, as it creates a platform for discussion and brings awareness of the modernity present in Africa. I think, in part, the increasing awareness of the arts from Africa is the result of the decolonisation of the mind, which plays a key role in offering new possibilities of seeing the world.
We’ve also noticed an increased focus on Africa across art and design. Does it seem like a temporary spike in fascination, or is it a serious look at the continent and the diaspora’s creative output? And will it continue to grow?
Whether this spike is motivated by fascination or genuine interest is hard to say. More importantly, it allows the world to look at Africa differently and recognises the differences and contradictions that reflect African modernity today. Recent interest in Africa could also be seen as a trend that will after some time decline as the focus shifts to other places in the world. But for now, Africa is having its moment, which defies all odds. Another contributing factor is the growing access to technology and information. This has changed the landscape of communication and provided greater access to dissemination of information about the ingenuity and developments taking place outside of the mainstream.
Who are some of the artists that you are excited about right now locally?
It is always hard to identify one artist’s expression over another. Artists today work across mediums making it difficult to assign a specific medium. I recently saw the exhibitions of artists such as Mohau Modisakeng at the National Art Gallery in Cape Town; he had photographs but also installation and video. Another artist is Dineo Seshee Bopape who has a fantastic installation at the Sao Paulo Biennale, as well as Kemang Wa Lehulere, who is currently exhibiting at the Art Institute of Chicago. All these artists are having a profound impact both locally and abroad and I think it definitely changes how people see Africa around the globe.
What perspective do you plan to bring to the CTAF that will help continue to build on its foundation?
I plan to increase the fair’s international presence, not only by having galleries from abroad, but also by bringing collectors, curators and artists to engage with contemporary expression from Africa. Furthermore, it is our desire to have continued presence throughout the year collaborating with local and international institutions. We want the fair to be an international destination for contemporary art in Africa.
Lastly, what attracted you this challenge?
I have been absent from South Africa for two decades and have always remained interested in the arts from South Africa and Africa. I believe that change always begins with where you come from. Africa needs to set its own terms about how it wants to be seen and by creating a platform for contemporary artists from Africa and the diaspora, this is the beginnings of redefining what it means to be African today.
For more from Tumelo Mosaka, turn to page 144 in the Design Issue of VISI (VISI 88). Visit capetownartfair.co.za for more information.
