RMB Latitudes at Shepstone Gardens Celebrates ‘Co-Production’
The third edition of the RMB Latitudes Art Fair is set to take place at Johannesburg’s Shepstone Gardens. Open from Friday, 23 May to Sunday, 25 May 2025, this year’s theme is ‘Co-Production’. With a nod to the central ethos of collaboration in the art industry and humanity as a whole, the fair is set to turn heads.
RMB Latitudes as Leading Art Fair in Joburg
The fruitful partnership between Latitudes Online and Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) has led to the development of a standout event on Joburg’s cultural calendar. In fact, the RMB Latitudes Art Fair is celebrated for its unique and immersive approach to exhibiting art. They especially shine a light on art of the contemporary African diaspora.
RMB’s Chief Marketing Officer, Alison Badenhorst, says: “Our growing partnership with Latitudes aligns with our mission to unlock and celebrate creative talent. Like the partnership between RMB and Latitudes, the relationship between creativity and optimism is an extremely positive one. Creativity fuels optimism and optimism fuels creativity.”
Essentially, visitors are invited to explore contemporary African art in a dynamic and multi-sensory environment. With a mixture of indoor and outdoor spaces, art in all forms will surround you.
Speaking about the ‘Co-Production’ theme, co-founder and Director of RMB Latitudes Art Fair, Lucy MacGarry, says: “The theme sees galleries, artists and institutions come together to create an exciting programme of exhibitors and special projects. [This] exemplifies the truly African sentiment of what is possible through collaboration.”
Participating Exhibitors and Special Projects
In addition, the RMB Latitudes Art Fair announced that it will be working with 50 galleries and over 300 artists. These range from major local art galleries such as Southern Guild, Stevenson and Everard Read. Further to this, nomadic galleries like FEDE Arthouse, Strauss & Co and AMG Projects are also involved. In essence, every aspect of the art ecosystem can be explored in one lush garden space under Joburg’s beautiful autumn skies.
Special Projects include working with South Africa’s neighbouring country, Botswana. Several exhibitors have worked together to create a presentation that respects the balance between traditional and contemporary art practices in that region.
Another is titled INDEX, which accumulates the fair’s annual focus on independent artists. Bonolo Kavula is the curator this year, seeking to highlight the rich depth of abstract art. Through a mentorship programme, she guides independent artists to interrogate the art of abstraction and abstract art.
Additionally, Disturbed Currents: Art for a Warming World creatively utilises Shepstone Gardens’ outdoor spaces. This special exhibition explores how humans impact the climate and how, in return, climate impacts our realities.
Lastly, ESSAY is a part of the annual art fair that looks at stoneware sculptures. However, it also incorporates charcoal drawings and other alternative mediums of contemporary African art.
RMB Latitudes Art Fair aims to inspire humanity through contemporary African art, hoping to grow the country’s love for the industry. Tickets are available here.
Images: Supplied
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