FNB Art Joburg needed a little more fair
The 19th edition of FNB Art Joburg is criticized for feeling underwhelming despite the presence of high-quality art and galleries. The author highlights poor event organization, including lack of signage and inadequate facilities, as major drawbacks.
Why it matters
Art fairs are significant cultural and economic drivers for cities; critiques of their management impact their reputation and future attendance.
There was good work, good artists and good galleries. But something was missing from the 19th edition of the City of Gold's biggest art fair
Facebook X LinkedIn WhatsApp Email Eye-catching: The entrance did its job. Brazilian artist Paulo Nazareth’s Indlela, featuring a car filled with amadumbe, is unmissable. Photos: Supplied Big event. Small feeling. That was my overriding impression of the 19th edition of FNB Art Joburg. Which is awkward, because there was plenty to see. Lots of good work, serious galleries, strong artists.
And yet, somehow, the fair felt oddly underwhelming. For me. And only for me, I hope.
The vernissage was packed, Friday brought the schoolchildren and the weekend saw the usual stream of visitors. But outside the Sandton Convention Centre, you could be forgiven for thinking nothing was happening. There were minimal banners and street posters across Sandton.
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