Art-Fueled February: Two Must-See Events in the Heart of the Cape
Cape Town is set to be the ultimate destination for art lovers, collectors, and creatives this February. From 17 to 23 February 2025, the city will come alive with two of South Africa’s premier cultural events: the Investec Cape Town Art Fair and the Stellenbosch Triennale. These events offer a unique opportunity to witness the transformative power of art through immersive experiences and the chance to engage with established and emerging talent both from South Africa and across the globe.
The Stellenbosch Triennale 2025: BA’ZINZILE - A Rehearsal for Breathing
Opening on 19 February 2025, the Stellenbosch Triennale will transform the historic town of Stellenbosch into a living, breathing art landscape until 30 April 2025. Curated by Khanyisile Mbongwa under the theme BA’ZINZILE: A Rehearsal for Breathing, the Triennale offers visitors a space for reflection on resilience, renewal, and the hopeful possibilities of the future. The theme, which translates to "We Have Lived," invites viewers to think of art as a metaphor for survival and transformation in a time when breathlessness - both literal and metaphorical - is a shared experience worldwide.
The Triennale brings together a remarkable array of international and local artists, including Alexandre Kyungu Mwilambwe (Democratic Republic of Congo), Aline Motta (Brazil), Lebohang Kganye (South Africa), Aziz Hazara (Afghanistan), and Simphiwe Ndzube (South Africa), among others. The event will not only showcase their artworks but will also offer opportunities for these artists to create on-site, giving the exhibition a sense of fluidity and evolution. The focus on sustainability, with works designed to disintegrate back into the land, ensures that the Triennale’s impact lingers beyond the artwork itself.
Visitors will have access to various venues, including Oude Libertas, the Woodmill, the Rupert Museum, and the Stellenbosch University Museum, all of which will become part of this expansive, community-wide event. With free public access, the Triennale is a perfect opportunity for all to connect with the pulse of contemporary art in an accessible and engaging way.
Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2025: A Hub for Global Art Collectors and Galleries
Running from 21 to 23 February 2025, the Investec Cape Town Art Fair will once again be the continent’s premier gathering of artists, collectors, and galleries. Recognised as Africa’s largest contemporary art fair, the event will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), bringing together over 100 galleries and up to 500 artists from around the world. This annual celebration of creativity provides a platform for both African and international talent, offering an unparalleled opportunity for art collectors, curators, and enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the diversity of contemporary art.
Under the directorship of Laura Vincenti, the 2025 edition of the fair will spotlight a dynamic mix of established names and emerging artists. The fair will feature special curated sections, including Tomorrow/Today, overseen by Dr. Mariella Franzoni, Generations, curated by Herba El Kayal from Cairo, and SOLO, curated by Céline Seror, co-founder of influential art platforms such as IAM and The Art Momentum.
A key highlight of the 2025 fair will be its new Special Projects, including the Cabinet/Trophy: ‘Playing the Field,’ curated by Alexander Richards and Phokeng Setai, which invites galleries to explore the theme of "PLAY." These cutting-edge projects will complement the return of popular sections from previous years, ensuring that the fair offers a fresh, engaging, and multifaceted experience. In addition to the main event at the CTICC, the public programme will extend across the city, making Cape Town itself a vibrant canvas of creativity during the fair’s run.
The Investec Cape Town Art Fair has become an essential gathering for global art lovers, offering an opportunity to engage with the ever-growing African art scene while also connecting with international trends and innovative practices. Whether you're an experienced collector or a curious newcomer, this fair promises an enriching experience for all.
Make sure to mark your calendars for February 2025, as the Cape will become the beating heart of contemporary art in Africa. Whether you find yourself wandering the streets of Stellenbosch or exploring the expansive halls of the Cape Town International Convention Centre, these events promise to captivate and inspire.
For more information about the Investec Cape Town Art Fair and to stay updated on upcoming events, visit www.investeccapetownartfair.co.za or follow them on Instagram @investeccapetownartfair and Facebook @ICTArtFair.