Think you need millions to buy art? Think again. Aimed at budding collectors, the Editions section of the upcoming Investec Cape Town Art Fair is where you’ll discover specialist prints and multiples. Leading print studios and galleries take centre stage and exhibitors include 50ty/50ty, ArtThrob and South Atlantic Press (all Cape Town), Artist Proof Studio, Dale Sargent Fine Art and LL Editions Contemporary (all Johannesburg), Asele Institute (Nimo, Nigeria) and Samuel Maenhoudt Gallery (Brussels, Belgium).
Wherever you wander at the fair, don’t be afraid to talk to exhibitors, gallerists and other experts. Their aim is to inspire enthusiasm about the artists they represent, not just sell their work. They’re genuinely excited by the pieces they showcase, and will be delighted to discuss them, whether or not you plan to pull out your wallet.
With so much to see, visitors will be spoiled for choice and so Laura Vincenti, director of Investec Cape Town Art Fair has put together some pointers on how to make the best of both of the Fair’s physical and digital spaces.
Do some homework
Your starting point is not the art fair, it’s the internet. Art fair websites usually contain information on highlights of the exhibition, such as notable galleries that are showcasing at the fair, art works, artists, talks, workshops and special events. Websites will often have images of art works that will be on display. Your research will help you to identify galleries and art works you would particularly like to see at the fair.
However, once you get to the fair, you will see a maze of spaces and lots of people. There will probably be a map or guide to the various displays, but allow yourself to wander off the beaten track. While you have a good idea of what you particularly want to see, there are always gems and surprises along the way.
Take your time, and lots of it
Give yourself time to explore the art fair, not just an hour, but a whole day or even a whole weekend. Allow yourself to wander around and get a full appreciation of what is being offered. Maybe you can bring some friends along, so the art fair becomes not just an experience in looking at art but an opportunity to socialise and share experiences in a stimulating environment.
Look and learn
If you want to buy an artwork or become a collector, an art fair is a great resource that enables you to identify what is available and what is within your means. You can familiarise yourself with the latest developments and trends in the art world by attending talks and workshops at an art fair. You can also identify artists whose work you enjoy, and get to know them.
Buying into the art world
The starting point is to buy a work you really love, either as something you can simply enjoy in your home or as an investment which you could sell at some future time. A great place for beginners to start is on the fringes of an art fair where young artists who are not represented by a gallery often exhibit their work. This can be an enjoyable and affordable way to enter the art world.
If you see art as an investment that will appreciate in time, a gallery is a good starting point. You can invest in an established artist whose work is bound to appreciate in value or in a promising young artist or artists. Galleries are keen to establish relationships with prospective buyers. Explain to the gallery what you enjoy and what you are prepared to pay. Galleries will keep you informed about works that meet your criteria and you can develop a long-term relationship with them.
The digital fair
To make the most of your experience at the digital fair, we’ve compiled four easy steps to help you navigate the Fair:
- You have free access to the digital fair from 18 – 20 February 2022.
- Visitors to the digital fair do not have to register.
- Go to
- Go to the homepage to see the list of galleries where you can click to see artists and artworks and their listed events.
What you need to know about the ICTAF
The ninth Investec Cape Town Art Fair will run from 18 to 20 February at the Cape Town International Conference Centre from 11h00 to 19h00.
Tickets can be purchased via the Webticket link on www.investeccapetownartfair.co.za
For more information, updates, Covid-19 protocols1 and how to register, log onto the website and follow Investec Cape Town Art Fair on Twitter @ICTAF, Instagram @investeccapetownartfair and Facebook @ICTArtFair. Use the hashtag #ICTAF.
