FNB Art Joburg director’s top 10 highlights for this cultural highlight

FNB Art Fair director Mandla Sibeko has curated his top 10 picks for Daily Maverick, though there’s much more to explore at this year’s fair. 

Book Launch & Signing: Your History with Me: The Films of Penny Siopis

Penny Siopis, renowned internationally for her groundbreaking work, presents a comprehensive study of her short films. This book launch, where Siopis will be in conversation with author and professor of literary and cultural studies Sarah Nuttall and writer and associate director at Stevenson Sinazo Chiya, which marks the South African premiere, explores how her work redefines film as a tool for experimentation and intervention. 

Date and time: Friday, 6 September 2024, 5.30pm. 

Post Gallery (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

Established by Frehiwot Demissie in February 2023, Post Gallery is a new art space in Addis Ababa that aims to provide a platform for emerging artists. This year, they present the work of painter Solomon Geleta Urgessa. 

16/16 (Lagos, Nigeria)

16/16, a creative incubator in Victoria Island, Lagos, has been a hub for artistic collaboration for more than eight years. They will be showcasing the work of celebrated Nigerian fibre artist Bubu Ogisi, who explores community perspectives through her art. 

Of Soul & Joy (Johannesburg, South Africa)

A social and artistic initiative by Rubis Mécénat and Easigas, Of Soul & Joy empowers young people in Thokoza through photography. Alumni include acclaimed artists such as FNB Art Prize winner Lindokuhle Sobekwa. This year, the initiative is featured in the ORG section.

Atelier le Grand Village

Directed by Francis van der Riet, Atelier le Grand Village specialises in stone lithography and other printmaking techniques. The studio presents new works from southern African artists Walter Oltmann, Diane Victor, Pauline Gutter and Tatenda Chidora, created over the past 18 months. 

Johannes Phokela: The Seven Virtues

Johannes Phokela, a distinguished South African artist, is known for his unique blend of classical European techniques and contemporary themes. His work, The Seven Virtues, explores postcolonial identity and social justice through a series of seven panels, each depicting a traditional virtue. 

Nolan Oswald Dennis: Rememberer (Kgositsile’s Folly)

This large-scale annotated wallpaper from Dennis’s Black Liberation Zodiac series honours South African poet Keorapetse Kgositsile. The piece, presented as an infinity curve, explores the concept of a black pastpresentfuture. 

Alf Khumalo, Ernest Cole & Peter Magubane

Celebrating three decades of South African democracy, the GIF pavilion features the work of photographic legends Alf Khumalo, Ernest Cole and Peter Magubane. Their work documented the realities of the past and contributed to the nation’s journey towards democracy. Luvuyo Equiano Nyawose’s work, eBhish, is also featured as part of the inaugural GIF section. 

Everard Read Gallery: Women in Conversation by Helen Sebidi

This year’s gallery HUB pavilion focuses on solo presentations by women artists. The Everard Read Gallery showcases Mmakgabo Mmapula Mmangankato Helen Sebidi’s Women in Conversation sculptures, a must-see at the fair. 

Sabelo Mlangeni at blank projects

Sabelo Mlangeni’s black-and-white photography captures the beauty of ordinary life, with a deep focus on community and the human experience. His practice involves spending extensive time with his subjects, resulting in intimate and compelling images that reflect the most profound aspects of life. DM