The 11th Investec Cape Town Art Fair drew crowds to the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from last Friday to Sunday.
Acclaimed Ndebele artist Dr Esther Mahlangu’s work was featured in a section called Generations, which focused on cross-generational dialogues between artists. An exhibition called Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective, also opened at the Iziko National Gallery in the Company’s Garden on Saturday and runs until August.
Nontobeko Ntombela, a curator speaking on behalf of Dr Mahlangu, said that the 88-year old artist is proof that you are never too young or too old to be an artist.
“Mam Esther was paired with Bonolo Kavuka at the Generations exhibition as Mam Esther is a generational influence to the younger artist, but if you look at her work, it’s ever evolving, she is able to have her work alongside masters as well as those who are young, that’s the beauty of her work, it connects with so many generations,” said Ms Ntombela.
“There is no starting date to being an artist, if you are passionate about what you do then you can do it and Mam Esther is showing us that if you are proud of your culture, if you believe in where you come from, it will take you somewhere,” she said.
Lungi Morrison, a board member at Lalela Project, said being part of the art fair is a massive boost in confidence for their children, aged six to 18, who live in Masiphumelele and Hout Bay townships.
“There is a long-term impact for children who can become social entrepreneurs; we have seen the correlation of the role of art that not only develops them academically but also develops their self-esteem, allowing them to become active citizens who can contribute to their lives beyond academics and art,” said Ms Morrison.
Mitchell’s Plain artist Warren Maroon, 38, exhibited at the art fair for the second time and said the roses in his work signify humans.
“The rose is used for so many things, for love, for death, to celebrate and this piece is about two identical roses that symbolise humans who are similar but also different, so this is the idea behind this work,” Mr Maroon said.
Kimathi Mafafo, 39, from Sea Point, said her embroidery and textiles works are an ode to the women in her life and females in general.
“Even though I started alone as an artist, I am now supported by women to create this art, so it’s a celebration of them, of us, working together. Art is not only about creating beautiful images, we are business people too and we are creating jobs in this industry,” said Ms Mafafo.
