As a media partner for Investec Cape Town Art Fair, we preview its new Female Artists Walkabout
The Investec Cape Town Art Fair returns in 2022, opening its doors to physical visitors for the first time since 2020. Due to the learnings of Covid-19, a shifting art world, and the growing pressure in the industry for change and inclusivity, the now hybrid (online and offline) fair has not only shifted its presentation but it’s approach as well.
It is widely documented that women, particularly women of colour, Black women and queer women are often left out of the art conversation when it comes to inclusion, representation and compensation. A study conducted by the Association of Danish Museums (ODM) concluded that “that female artists accounted for just 22 per cent of the works purchased during the period 2004 to 2019”. While this is the situation in Europe, the situation is similar, if not far worse in much of the Global South. This year, ICTAF breaks this boundary quite significantly, with 37 per cent of the works showcased by women, a host of women in senior positions at the fair and the inclusion of a Walkabout focused primarily on women artists in Africa.
Speaking to Mia Louw from the fair team, the significance of this approach is clear. “Women face many socio-political barriers so emphasising these artists is a powerful way to elevate their voices. ICTAF prides itself on highlighting and discussing important issues and therefore placing women at the forefront is very important. The fair is also managed by a team of women, all from different backgrounds and walks of life,” she explains.
“The empowerment of women and the queer community is crucial to accelerating sustainable development and economic prosperity”
Standout artists taking part in the Female Artists Walkabout include Kimathi Mafafo, Bronwyn Katz, Bahati Simoens, Muofhe Manavhela, Cinthia Sifa Mulanga, Michaela Young and Philiswa Lila. Drawing from different perspectives and mediums, these women speak to the necessary diversity, difference of opinion, and heritage that enhances the art world and narratives within art. This part of the programming is curated by interdisciplinary artist Anelisa Mangcu. She is co-founder of The Victory of the Word, an organisation that works on funding and investment strategies to stimulate and preserve art entities. She has curated booths for FNB At Joburg, ICTAF, 1-54 New York and Latitudes Art Fair and is also the founder of Under The Aegis, representing a new wave of Black women creators and curators guiding the global art world.
“Despite the obstacles and disparities we face, I find that in recent years there has been an awareness of the importance of our voices. I also do not believe that we are asking for permission to be in the rooms that we should be in anymore,” Mangcu asserts. “There is definitely a sisterhood that I have been fortunate enough to witness in this industry. The empowerment of women and the queer community is important period, but it is also crucial to accelerating sustainable development and economic prosperity. We are equal and contributing players in society and we should be receiving the same opportunities. My practice is an extension of my own identity, and as an art practitioner, I can't imagine not using my experiences, particularly that of a Black woman as part of my work.”
Speaking specifically about the Walkabout, Mangcu is confident that this will be an important space for fair audiences to consume differently and really dig deep into the art they buy and who makes it. “I am looking forward to seeing new works. A year of not being able to have a physical presentation by local and international galleries at ICTAF was challenging for the entire ecosystem, but perhaps necessary in allowing all art practitioners to assess their practices. I have been fortunate enough to have close proximity to a few of the artists, so it is always wonderful to see their artistic developments.” she adds.
As enthusiasts, artists and collectors gather on South Africa’s West Coast this weekend, the spirit of the contemporary art world returns to Cape Town. Exciting, diverse and refreshed by inclusive, innovative thinking, it’s set to be a worthwhile visit for physical and virtual visitors alike.
The Investec Cape Town Art Fair takes place from 18-20 February 2022 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Information and tickets can be found here.