My first time visiting the Investec Cape Town Art Fair
Published 27 February 2025 in Blog
Tanya Krain
Walking into the Investec Cape Town Art Fair for the first time, I wasn’t sure what to expect.
I'd heard about its scale, but nothing prepared me for the energy inside the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
The sheer variety of artwork, the buzz of excited conversations, and the presence of artists and collectors from all over the world made it feel like stepping into a living, breathing world of creativity.
First impressions: Overwhelmed but excited
The first few moments were overwhelming. Walls were filled with bold paintings, sculptures stretched toward the ceiling, and digital installations flickered with movement.
People wandered from booth to booth, some deep in discussion, others simply staring in awe. I took a deep breath and reminded myself to slow down—this wasn’t something to rush through.
Unexpected moments of connection
As I wandered, I found myself drawn to certain pieces without fully understanding why. One sculpture, a twisting bronze figure by a South African artist, made me stop in my tracks. The way it caught the light, the way its curves seemed to move—it was mesmerising.
I spoke with the gallery representative, who explained the artist’s inspiration and process. That moment changed the way I looked at the rest of the fair. It wasn’t just about seeing art; it was about experiencing it and understanding the stories behind it.
A theme that invited playfulness
The 2025 theme, Play, was everywhere. Some artworks explored childhood nostalgia, while others took a more abstract approach, inviting viewers to interact.
One installation encouraged visitors to move objects around, shaping the piece as they engaged with it. It was fascinating to see how art could blur the line between creator and audience.
Conversations that stayed with me
One of the highlights of the fair was the opportunity to talk to artists and curators. I listened to a panel discussion on the future of African contemporary art, where a young sculptor spoke about breaking boundaries and challenging expectations.
Later, I had a brief but memorable chat with a painter whose bold, colourful work reflected themes of identity and change. These conversations added depth to the experience, making me realise that art is as much about dialogue as it is about visual impact.
Reflections on the experience
By the end of the day, I was exhausted but deeply inspired. The fair had been more than just an exhibition—it was a place of discovery. I left with a new appreciation for contemporary art, not just as something to admire, but as something that sparks emotion, challenges perspectives, and brings people together.
For anyone considering attending in the future, my advice is simple: take your time, ask questions, and let yourself be surprised. If you're curious about attending an art fair, then you'll want to read our handy guide on what to do, to to do and what to expect.
The Investec Cape Town Art Fair is not just about looking at art—it’s about feeling it, engaging with it, and carrying those experiences with you long after you leave.
* Photos courtesy of Cape Town Art Fair & Tanya Krain