The Investec Cape Town Art Fair, renowned as the largest contemporary art fair on the African continent, has once again provided a platform for showcasing remarkable talent, with South African artists among those recognised.
This year's fair witnessed an impressive display of creativity, honouring both emerging and established artists who are shaping the narrative of contemporary art.
Among the standout moments was the presentation of the Investec Emerging Artist Award to the dynamic duo Ben Stanwix and Xhanti Zwelendaba.
Their collaborative installation titled Thaba Nchu, a textile-based reinterpretation of archival images measuring 2m x 4m, captivated the jury with its ingenuity and cultural depth.
It is explained that the award aims to elevate emerging artists on the global scene, recognising homegrown talent that has yet to be affiliated with major institutions or museums.
The jury panel, comprised of prominent figures including Cumesh Moddliar (Investec CEO), Itu Merafe (Head of Investec Private Bank), and James Cook (sculptor) -expressed their enthusiasm for the event's focus on fostering creativity and innovation.
“At Investec Cape Town Art Fair, we are dedicated to fostering innovation and providing a platform for emerging artists to thrive,” stated Laura Vincenti, Director of the fair. “These prizes are a significant recognition of artistic talent.”
The 2025 edition of the fair showcased the largest number of first-time exhibitors in its history, with 30 new galleries participating, thereby broadening the landscape of artistic representation.
Another highlight featured the exceptional work of Cameroonian artist Agnes Essonti Luque, represented by The Over (Barcelona). Luque’s exploration of the domestic sphere through diverse media such as photography, video, assemblage, and performance resonated deeply with an international jury. This selection included esteemed figures such as Wim Pijbes, Azu Nwagbogu, and Gabriel Virgilio Luciani.
Nwagbogu elaborated on the jury's selection, stating: “The 12 finalists were all incredibly strong, which made it a very difficult task for the jury to select the winning artist. The winning artist’s work embodied a sense of community and experimentation, which allowed us to envision it as a cohesive work.”
Luque's focus on the rituals of food preparation brought to light cultural discussions often overlooked in the art world, embodying the power of food as an integral aspect of culture and art.
This year’s Tomorrows/Today section curated by Dr Mariella Franzoni featured twelve artists whose works signified a forthcoming wave of contemporary practices deeply rooted in identity, socio-political commentary, and cultural exchange. Each artist reflected current global art trends, highlighting the dynamism and diversity within the art scene.
Notably, the Tomorrows/Today winner received a cash prize of R80,000, sponsored by Fiera Milano Exhibitions Africa, further incentivising emerging talent. Previous prize winners have included notable names such as Boemo Diale, Talia Ramkilawan, and Michaela Younge, adding a legacy of excellence to the award.
Additionally, two more artist awards were bestowed during the fair, with the RDC Acquisition Prize going to Ibrahim Khatab, represented by Electric Contemporary (South Africa).
This prize exemplifies a commitment to supporting artists aligned with the values of significant corporate entities, providing visibility and recognition in prominent cultural spaces.
Saturday Star