RMB Latitudes Art Fair returned with diverse African perspectives

RMB Latitudes Art Fair returned to Johannesburg for its second edition from May 24 – 26 .

The fair was brought to viewers by the team behind Latitudes Online, in partnership with RMB. The fair offered visitors an immersive art experience that bought together the global community of African contemporary art.

Throughout the fair, galleries and artists from across Africa showcased their art throughout Shepstone Gardens, a three-acre property. Visitors were invited to discover and explore all corners of the indoor-outdoor venue, as they wandered through marble halls, secret gardens, and sculpture pavilions, enjoying a diverse programme of exhibitions, talks, films, and more.

Co-founder and director, Lucy MacGarry said, “At RMB Latitudes we challenge the standard ‘white cube’ gallery model, reimagining the relationship between art and the viewer. By creating spaces with an interplay between inside and out, the design of the fair dissolves the typical art-viewing environment, creating a space for art to be engaged with and questioned in a uniquely African context.”

He added that they made it their business to allow all industry players an equal playing field, with galleries, alternative spaces, and artists presenting side by side.

With this ethos in mind, the fair was carefully arranged to offer a pan-African showcase of talent, and the talks programme will bring together international speakers from all sectors of the industry, sparking debate and placing African contemporary art on a global stage.

RMB’s Carolynne Waterhouse expressed RMB’s commitment to unlocking and celebrating creative talent, “We are proud of our long-standing support of the creative economy, and the business of the arts. We believe that creativity measurably enhances our lives, by enriching our souls and broadening our minds. Talent development fosters sustainable careers, translated into meaningful economic activity and positive contributions to communities and society.”

Co-founder Roberta Coci added that accessibility was at the heart of RMB Latitudes’ ethos. “To this end, we create an inviting environment, where both seasoned collectors and art world novices feel comfortable to attend, learn, connect, and ultimately acquire art.”

The fair was also uploaded on Latitudes’ online platform, allowing collectors worldwide to browse and buy works from RMB Latitudes exhibitors.