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From 26 - 28 May 2023, RMB Latitudes will bring together artists and exhibitors from across the continent to transform Shepstone Gardens, a magnificent three-acre property, into a curated celebration of art from Africa.
Visitors will be able to enjoy a curated contemporary art experience, while strolling through an iconic Johannesburg garden and attending art talks and walkabouts. What’s more, a partnership with Franschhoek Wine Valley, will see vignerons from the winelands fly to RMB Latitudes to share their top wines and bubblies with visitors. All of this will be complemented by a seasonal, fresh food offering by sustainable chef, James Diack.
“New platforms such as RMB Latitudes are vitally important,” says Azu Nwagbogu, Founder and Director of African Artists' Foundation (AAF), and curatorial advisor on RMB Latitudes 2023 International Galleries Programme. “They offer innovative models for cultural and artistic engagement that have evolved from the decay of our previous ways of living, and are developing new models for today.”
RMB Latitudes is a destination event. Guests are encouraged to travel via Uber or to make use of the Fair’s Park and Ride at the Old Edwardian Society, Houghton, where shuttles will be provided.
Celebrate in our shared creative spirit, ignite new relationships, and connect with artists and galleries in an inspiring setting.
RMB Latitudes 2023 Special Projects
The International Galleries Programme
The International Galleries Programme, supported by RMB’s Broader Africa focus, provides a sustainable means for galleries and artists on the continent and in the diaspora to show in South Africa. The 2023 International Galleries show is led by curator Nkhensani Mkhari, in close dialogue with the Project Advisory Committee members; Azu Nwagbogu, Valerie Kabov and Lucy MacGarry.
INDEX
INDEX (Independent Artists Exhibition) is a captivating survey exhibition that brings together an array of independent artistic practices from South Africa, the African region, and the diaspora. Through a rich dialogue between diverse artists, the exhibition seeks to explore the complexities of contemporary African identity and its global connections. Featured artists include, Lebogang Mogul Mabusela, Gaelen Pinnock, Jody Brand, Thokozani Mthiyane, Bulumko Mbete, Phillip Newman, Benjamin Selvatore, and Terrence Maluleke to name a few.
Essay
ESSAY brings together the work of three artists, Sam Nhlengethwa, Katlego Tlabela and Cinthia Sifa Mulanga, to explore a nuanced dialogue in concept, and approach to colour and line.
Terence Maluleke, The Meeting of Empathetic Minds, acrylic on canvas, 2023, Courtesy the artist
The RMB Young Artists’ Playground
The RMB Young Artists' Playground is a dedicated children's area, tailored for adventure, the joy of discovery and artistic collaboration. Its four activity stations, The Zine & Printmaking Corner, The Tech Corner, The Up-cycling Corner and The Playdough Party offer supervised art-related activities for children that are accessible throughout the day and over the fair weekend. The Young Artists' Playground will encourage children to explore and work with different materials, under the guidance of inspiring local artists.
OpenStudios.Joburg.
RMB Latitudes is proud to have partnered with OpenStudios.Joburg, an exciting project that provides Joburgers with open access to art buildings, spaces and projects across the historical CBD. On Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May, visitors will be invited to meet artists in their studios, interact with the works, and enjoy a programme of exhibitions, walkabouts, performance and design. OpenStudios.Joburg and RMB Latitudes will be linked via a shuttle service that will allow visitors to safely explore the city.
Strauss Talks
RMB Latitudes is proud to partner with Strauss Education to present a series of talks at RMB Latitudes. Strauss Education has partnered both internationally with the African Art in Venice Forum and locally to present content-rich and insightful discussions. Seats are pre-booked via the Fair’s online booking system.
Further Reading In Articles
African Artist Directory