The latest art fair Under the Aegis partook in was the renowned FNB Art Joburg. We showcased the works of South African artists, Buqaqaqwuli Thamani Nobakada, Haneem Christian, Mongezi Gum, and Mpho Feni.
The FNB Art Joburg stands as a beacon of artistic excellence on the African continent, boasting a rich history as one of the longest-running premier contemporary art fairs in the region. Each year, art enthusiasts and industry professionals alike converge in Johannesburg (South Africa), to witness a curated selection of the finest African artworks, both from emerging talents and established artists. This platform not only provides a vital opportunity for these creatives to showcase their work but also plays a crucial role in promoting the diversity and vibrancy of African art to a global audience.
The 17th edition aims was to continue their refined positioned to present leading contributors to the contemporary African Art ecosystem, while encouraging the growth of a new generation of collectors & creating a fair that allows galleries to present their best offering to established collectors.
Our booth featured the works of:
Haneem Christian, a master of dynamic visual storytelling, whose pieces explore themes of identity, gender and culture. Working through lens-based media, their practice centres and archives Queer and Pan-African narratives, histories and storytelling – holding community as sacred, divine and critical to their photographic ethics. We also exhibited the powerful works of Mongezi Gum. His creative journey is a deeply personal and therapeutic one, reflecting his belief in the power of art as a means of self-expression and healing. Drawing from his own experiences and observations, Gum infuses his artworks with a profound sense of introspection and emotional depth. Through his unique artistic lens, Gum sheds light on the multifaceted aspects of township life, revealing the resilience, joy, and humanity that exist amidst challenging circumstances. His artworks become windows into these vibrant communities, inviting viewers to explore and appreciate the richness of their culture and the strength of their spirit.
Alongside these two artists, we were delighted to present the thought provoking and captivating art of Buqaqawuli Thamani Nobakada. Nobakada’s work reflects the regal performances of femininity and beauty she finds herself surrounded by as she navigates tensions between traditional and modern expressions of beauty in a postcolonial world, and its relationship with the growing socio-economic autonomy of women. Her elaborate figurative paintings of herself and the women around her display women in soft moments of non-sexual intimacy, this strategic self-disclosure allows black women to bear witness their own (and each other’s) “complex personhood” and to their rich interiority. Rounding out the selection was Mpho Feni, whose intricate and emotive artworks delve into the complexity of human experiences and socio-political dynamics in South Africa. Mpho Feni’s work explores a continual journey into subjectivity, extending his own introspection on emotions, particularly love. In this series, Mpho Feni manipulates the concept of love through space and the figures of lovers. Through his narratives, he creates environments that reflect the complexities of life—softness, hardship, adaptation, and consciousness—all of which come together to convey the message that 'love conquers all.' Though this sentiment may seem clichéd, it remains undeniably true: humanity stands exposed and vulnerable in the face of love. Even in the ever-evolving landscape of modernity, love continues to endure.
Through these outstanding artists, Under the Aegis brought to the forefront the dynamic narratives and contemporary expressions that continue to shape the South African art scene. The fair provided a unique opportunity to engage with art practitioners from the continent and the diaspora, and we are grateful for the chance to contribute to the ever-evolving conversation on art in Africa.
For more details on the fair visit FNB Art Joburg.
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