A TAF 2022 Special

The popular Turbine Art Fair is back in full force following the past two years of semi-confinement due to the pandemic. Celebrating its tenth anniversary it once again has reinvented itself and from 21 to 24 July can be found at a trendy new underground space at Oxford Parks in Rosebank next to the Radisson Red Hotel.

TAF has always had an edgy approach offering art lovers a unique experience in a relaxing environment. It continues to push boundaries by showcasing new work in unusual mediums by largely undiscovered artists, alongside more established names and mainstream galleries. The aim is to appeal to both the seasoned art collector and those wanting to start the art collecting journey.

In addition to indulging in the work presented by 32 galleries and studio showcases, TAF offers a series of diverse curated project highlights.

With TAF’s focus on emerging artists TAF Unearthed is an annual initiative that provides space for developing artists to create and exhibit new works especially for the fair. It includes a mentorship programme that culminates in a curated group exhibition featuring the work of ten artists. TAF Off The Grid places attention on predominantly emerging and mid-career artists who are not currently represented by commercial galleries. This year the Off the Grid exhibition is curated by Maja Marx, an abstract artist affiliated to Whatiftheworld Gallery in Cape Town and features the work of five highly talented artists whereas the TAF Grad Show showcases work by
​​recent graduates and MA students from universities across South Africa, offering collectors an ideal place to discover innovative talent.  
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A highlight is TAF Capsule, a new initiative for TAF 2022 featuring work by  influential artist Pat Mautloa, one of the founding artists of Joburg’s famous Bag Factory studio. The exhibition is designed to encourage young collectors to start investing in artists with Mautloa showing a large-scale work that is broken up into multiple smaller pieces and sold separately. 

The diversity of offerings continues with TAF Sublime, a deep dive into the tech art area of the fair featuring immersive multimedia installations commissioned to provide one-of-a-kind art experiences. TAF Paper is a programme that runs throughout the year, providing additional platforms for artists to sell their work on the TAF website and at TAF Paper pop-up exhibitions leading up to the fair.

TAF Talks and Walkabouts offer visitors a curated selection of talks aimed at informing, educating and developing art audiences led by prominent artists, collectors and curators. Some of the riveting discussions will focus on understanding the world of NFT’s, building a career in the arts, starting and building your own collection and Johannesburg as a melting pot of cultural hubs.

This year’s fair is packed with everything that makes TAF such a popular event – a vast selection of specially commissioned installations and exhibitions, a line-up of insightful art talks and guided tours, a challenging showcase of young and emerging artists, delicious food and drinks courtesy of The Forum Company, and of course the main attraction, an incredible selection of art on sale that would suit every pocket.

Tickets are available through Webtickets or at the door. Safe parking at Oxford Parks, The Firs and the Rosebank Mall.