Spaces Africa, in partnership with SA Creatives, has launched African Art Spaces, a multi-sensory exhibition curated for the artist by the artist to redefine the creative landscape.
African Art Spaces is a platform that connects Southern Africa’s most innovative artists in contemporary street art, design, and installations, irrespective of any specific artistic discipline.
This past week, a parking lot in Braamfontein was turned into an artistic haven with exclusive and retailable collections from 10 avant-garde exhibitors, including Joburg Ash, Ellsphee, Damn Vandal, Cee The Creator, Kim Van Vuuren, Naledi Modupi, Zee Feels, Njabulo Hlophe, OUTSIDETHEWOODS, That Art Kid Lari, and Ellsphee.
The occasion marked the start of an annual celebration of the creative diversity of the area and drew a wide audience of creatives, tastemakers, art collectors, culture connoisseurs, marketers, curators, visual storytellers, and “inquisitive explorers” from all industry sectors, said the organisers.
The African Art Spaces exhibition kicked off with a launch event on July 24 and opened to the public the following night.
Additionally, a surprise exhibition event was hosted on July 27 in Durban, where another exciting collaboration was revealed between Robertson’s Spice, African Art Spaces, and six of the 10 exhibitors in the line-up.
The three-day experience was hosted by media personalities Leddi G and Siya “Scoop” Ngwekazi on opening night, and Kabelo Moremi on Thursday, and Luthando Shosha at the Pencil in Durban.
Aside from multi-layered sonic performances by Shekhina, A-REECE, Yolophonik, Marcus Harvey, Khuli Chana, Tinx, Franadilla, Namakau Star, Lenzowannabenzo, and others, attendees enjoyed eclectic sounds and performances by artists like Maglera Doe Boy, Wendy Ntinezo, FifLaaa, Deniece Marz and Chaxllie.
Speaking about the event, Fresh AF and Spaces Africa CCO Jay Kayembe stated: “At Spaces Africa, we are dedicated to elevating creative ambition through authentic collaboration. By combining our expertise within the agency organisation alongside the unconventional umbrella platform that is Spaces Africa, we hope to elevate and usher through a unique and exciting symbiotic relationship between creatives, platforms and brands in helping to reshape our entire industry.
“African Art Spaces is an example of that, a platform curated for the unconventional – multidisciplinary creatives, in facilitating credible platform representation where there is a lack of representation for artist alike.”
Managing director Ally Fathana said the platform ushered in a new age for art exhibition experiences.
“Unlike traditional formats, this initiative places artists at the forefront, emphasising their pivotal role. By fostering direct connections with brands, we empower artists to innovate and collaborate creatively, setting a new standard for artistic expression and commercial success.”
African Art Spaces and Robertson’s also collaborated for the first official brand roll-out, showcasing Spaces Africa’s commitment to authentic cultural representation since 2016.
The Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za