Embrace the Art of PLAY at the 12th Investec Cape Town Art Fair

The 12th edition of the Investec Cape Town Art Fair, taking place from 21 – 23 February at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, offers a dynamic blend of art, culture, and experiences. Visitors can explore engaging talks, curated art walks, and unique opportunities to connect with galleries and artists. Attendees can capture a playful moment at the fair with renowned photographer Trevor Stuurman, or head to The Outdoor Courtyard to unwind. Later, they can make their way to The Gin Bar, the fair’s official after-hours Art Hub, where they can connect with fellow art lovers and enjoy curated cocktails paired with a DJ line-up.

The Investec Cape Town Art Fair, Africa’s largest and only international contemporary art fair, will feature 124 exhibitors, including galleries from Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America, with a record-breaking 30 first-time participants. According to Laura Vincenti, Director of Investec Cape Town Art Fair, the 2025 edition is the team’s most ambitious yet. “We’re committed to pushing the boundaries of what an art fair can be, continuing to innovate and elevate our position on the global art stage,” says Vincenti. The 2025 curatorial theme, PLAY, invites each curated section to question, engage, and unpack its conceptual possibilities. PLAY encourages visitors to reimagine the role of art as an interactive and transformative experience, with a focus on artistic process and experimentation.

Here are five ways one can engage with the theme of PLAY, transforming their experience at this year’s fair.

PLAY for the Day (or the Weekend)

For first-time visitors and buyers, the fair may feel overwhelming due to the sheer volume of art to take in. New visitors and buyers are encouraged to take their time to explore, learn, and PLAY. Mia Louw, Investec Cape Town Art Fair’s Galleries and Special Projects Manager, advises: “Collect your visitor’s guide at the entrance, then spend the day – or even the weekend – exploring the fair. Together with friends, experience the art, vibrant atmosphere, food, thought-provoking talks program, engaging guided art walks, and captivating performances.” Louw continues, “Be open about your tastes and preferences. Build relationships with galleries to enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the art that resonates with you. Many of the artists also attend the fair, offering the opportunity to meet them and learn more about their work firsthand.”

“After a day of taking in all the art, visitors are bound to work up an appetite. Zuney will be serving up their delicious wagyu burgers, alongside local vendors THE KHAYA PIZZA JOINT and Unframed Ice Cream onsite at The Outdoor Courtyard,” adds Louw.

Art for PLAY

Visitors are invited to PLAY! The curated sections of the fair take inspiration from the notion of PLAY. Vincenti explains play as “three dynamic and interconnected facets of the art world: play as creativity, play as curiosity, and play as action,” and everyone is invited to join in. This vibrant spirit of PLAY is reflected in the works of artists showcasing in the curated sections, each offering their unique interpretation of the theme and creating a diverse and interactive experience for all to engage with. Elements of PLAY can also be found throughout the fair, with artists in the Main section incorporating playfulness into their practice.

Cape Town-based artist Geena Wilkinson (WORLDART) brings a playful approach to her work, using ceramic and hand-cast resin to explore themes of history, memory, and nostalgia. Through her whimsical depictions of confectionery—from jawbreakers to Chappies, sour sweets to Bubbaloo—she taps into the collective memories of childhood, inviting reflection on how these sugary treats shape our past and questioning what might have been if there were an alternative ending.

Japanese artist Takeshi Matsugami (Schönfeld Gallery) is known for his vibrant, energetic paintings that blend elements of pop art and neo-expressionism, offering comfort in the face of discomfort. His work often features everyday objects and scenes, painted with bold brushstrokes and bright colors, creating a synthesis of both Western and Eastern artistic traditions.

Matthew Attard (Galleria Michela Rizzo) is celebrated for his innovative approach to drawing and multimedia art. His work examines images as social and cultural constructs, highlighting the performative and time-based aspects of drawing, while inviting the viewer to reconsider the role of images in shaping identity and meaning.

Wolfram Ullrich (Dep Art Gallery) is a contemporary German artist known for his innovative approach to painting and sculpture. His work delves into the dynamic interplay between geometric forms, bold colors, and spatial perception, challenging the viewer’s understanding of space. By combining his expertise in both art and art history, Ullrich creates pieces that invite deeper engagement with the optical and spatial qualities of his art.

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The Art of PLAY: Talks and Art Walks

For first-time visitors, the Art Walks programme, curated by Art School Africa, offers a perfect way to explore the fair, gain an overview of the exhibitors, and deepen their understanding of the artists and artworks on display. These guided tours are complimentary for all ticket holders.

Louw mentions that visitors can also look forward to an exceptional program of engaging talks and panel discussions curated by Art School Africa and supported by iTOO Artinsure. Thought leaders, art market professionals, and industry experts will share valuable insights on topics such as The Role of Digital Media and Film in Contemporary Art, The Power of Art in Global Brand Collaborations, Imagining a Brighter Future Through Environmental and Social Responsibility, and The Impact of Contemporary Art from Africa on Global Narratives.

Fairgoers can also join artists Koos Groenewald, Zander Blom, Helena Uambembe, and Luca Evans for “Bringing the Studio to the Fair,” an interactive, unscripted event that offers a glimpse into their creative processes and breaks down the barriers between the studio and the fair.

The full program of talks, guided art walks, and the Unbound City public program can be found on the fair’s digital platform.

PLAY in the City

From Loop and Long Street to the Silo District and Stellenbosch, the fair’s citywide activations and Unbound City public program invite art lovers to discover Cape Town’s vibrant art scene beyond the fair. Local museums and galleries across the city will host exclusive events, offering a unique opportunity to engage with exhibitions and works by renowned artists in a relaxed, social setting. Since spaces are limited and highly sought after, it’s recommended that visitors reserve their spot in advance through the fair’s digital platform.

Another way to stay playful and extend the buzz of the fair is by visiting the fair’s exclusive after-hours Art Hub at The Gin Bar (64A Wale Street, Cape Town). Guests can experience signature cocktails inspired by three of the curated sections of the fair and connect with fellow art collectors, curators, gallerists, artists, art lovers, and VIPs. The Art Hub will be open from 17 February to 23 February, from 19h00 until late.

Endless PLAYful Possibilities

This year’s fair is filled with a range of highlights, offering something for every taste, interest, and imagination.

16 on Lerotholi (South Africa), Demo Projects (South Africa), Borderlands Art (Uganda), and SOTO Gallery (Nigeria) are among the exhibitors in this year’s Lookout section, a dedicated area for emerging galleries operating for under five years. Artist Proof Studio (South Africa), 50ty/50ty Prints (South Africa), and Samuel Maenhoudt Gallery (Belgium), among others, are part of Editions, a section dedicated to showcasing leading print galleries and workshops specializing in prints, multiples, and limited editions.

The Connect section will include institutions and organizations like Norval Foundation, Zeitz MOCAA, Lalela, and the Western Cape Education Department Art Centres. After a successful debut in 2024, the City of Cape Town’s Emerging Artists Programme will once again host a stand at the fair.

The fair will also feature exclusive retail booths, offering unique, high-quality items for art and design enthusiasts. Chommies, the luxury dog-accessories-turned-lifestyle brand, will release a special edition tote bag designed by award-winning creative Peet Pienaar, inspired by this year’s curatorial theme, PLAY. Pichulik, an ethical jewelry and accessories atelier based in Cape Town, will showcase stunning pieces rooted in African traditions and global cultures. Additionally, NURU will launch a conceptual showroom collection featuring contemporary African designers and crafters. Clarke’s Bookshop & Jonathan Ball will offer a curated collection of art books and publications, with book signings by renowned artists taking place throughout the weekend.

Whether visitors are there for thought-provoking panel discussions, immersive exhibitions, or the vibrant atmosphere, the fair invites everyone to dive into a creative celebration where every moment is an invitation to PLAY and engage with art in exciting ways.

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The Fine Print:

• The 12th Investec Cape Town Art Fair will run from 21 to 23 February at the Cape Town International Conference Centre, from 12h00 to 19h00.
• Tickets can be purchased via Webtickets

Visit www.investeccapetownartfair.co.za to find out more and view the fair’s full program on their digital platform: https://digital.investeccapetownartfair.co.za/. Follow Investec Cape Town Art Fair on Instagram @investeccapetownartfair and Facebook @investeccapetownartfair for daily updates. The official hashtags: #InvestecCapeTownArtFair #ICTAF2025.