Turbine Art Fair 2021: What To Expect

WORDS Cheri Morris


This weekend, 1-3 October 2021, marks the 9th edition of Turbine Art Fair (TAF), the first accessible and affordable South African art fair aimed at small scale and emerging galleries, artists and collectors.

Founded in 2013 by The Forum Company, TAF sought to grow the market for South African Contemporary art and is today responsible for a unique annual gathering of galleries, artists and curators from around the country. TAF 2021 features 30 exhibitors and 182 artists. Here’s what to expect:

turbine art fair

A Virtual Talks Programme

Created in partnership with ITOO Artinsure, the Virtual Talk Programme will take place alongside the Fair and be accessible via the TAF website. The Programme is free but will require pre-registration. Do so here: turbineartfair.co.za

TAF Unearthed

TAF 2021 features an enhanced and innovated structure of its mentorship programme to address the needs of artists and propel them through uncertainty. The TAF 2021 artists have been mentored by Nkhensani Rihlampfu and Thembi Matroshe. The group exhibition is curated by Thembi Matroshe.    

TAF Off the Grid

Curated by Karel Nel and insured and supported by ITOO Artinsure and The Forum Company, TAF Off the Grid is a new feature exhibition for mid-career artists that serves to highlight the work of creators outside of the main gallery circuit. This year’s exhibitors are Christelle Viviers, Collen Maswanganyi, Derrick Nxumalo and Joni Brenner. Each artist will present a capsule solo exhibition.

Sublime: An Immersive Multimedia Experience

Inspired by PACE Gallery’s SUPERBLUE projects, TAF 2021 will showcase an arresting piece of immersive multimedia art.

The Graduate Show

A selection of exceptional graduating Masters students or art students currently in their final year of visual art studies will exhibit pieces curated by Simangaliso Sibiya and mentor Tammy Langtry.

The TAF Featured Artist

This feature is awarded to a young emerging South African artist who TAF believes has exceptional talent and presents a fresh voice in the contemporary art scene. This year, TAF features Xanthi Zwelendaba.

Visitors can view pieces online at turbineartfair.co.za or visit the Fair in person at 10 Fricker Road, Illovo, Johanessburg on Friday, 1 October from 09h00 to 20h00 and Saturday/Sunday, 2 and 3 October from 09h00 to 18h00. Tickets cost R150, R60 for students (Friday only) and need to be pre-booked online prior to arrival. Strict COVID-screening protocols will be in place, artisanal food and beverage will be on sale, and free underground parking is available.

For more information, visit turbineartfair.co.za.

Looking for more on local art? Read about the Porterville Annual Art Fair taking place on 1-3 October.