Explore Creativity at African Art Spaces by Spaces Africa

In need of a night out, a morale boost and an infusion of creativity, Spaces Africa invited me out on a crispy Joburg evening to their African Art Spaces. Hosted at one of the city’s favourite cultural spaces, The Playground was transformed into an artistic oasis ready to be explored by all.

African Art Spaces – A New Initiative by Spaces Africa

Building further on the phenomenal successes of AFRICAN FASHION SPACES and AFRICAN MUSIC SPACES, and echoing the visionary aspirations shared at the CR8TOR-CON launch in April, this new initiative continues SPACES AFRICA’s mission. They are set on transforming the environments we inhabit into vibrant, collaborative, and innovative creative hubs!

A Multidisciplinary Showcase of Southern Africa’s Creative Talent

An experience for everyone to enjoy, AFRICAN ART SPACES showcases Southern Africa’s most captivating multidisciplinary creatives. Our senses were treated to:

• Contemporary street art
• Design
• Installations art

This platform embraces all artistic disciplines, inviting you to explore, create, and celebrate in a boundless realm of creativity.

African Art Spaces – A Creative Oasis in Johannesburg

The vibrant Playground in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, burst into a creative oasis, turning an ordinary parking lot into an extraordinary artistic haven! Exclusive, purchasable collections from 10 trailblazing exhibitors showcased their incredible talents, including:

The Launch and Beyond – A Spicy Collaboration

Kicking off with a spectacular launch event, inviting the public the next day and a surprise pop-up in Durban, the excitement is still vibrating through the air. African Art Spaces also unveiled a vibrant collaboration between Robertsons Spice and 6 of 10 of the featured exhibitors.

Unveiling a spicy collaboration, African Art Spaces celebrated Robertsons’ 100-year milestone through a spectacular fusion of art and taste. Titled ‘THE ART OF FLAVOUR’, the collection featured stunning, self-expressive artworks curated by some of the most talented artists, including:

• Naledi Modupi
• Zinhle Sithebe (Zee Feels)
• Njabulo Hlophe
• Larissa Mwanyama (That.Art.Kid.Lari)
• Sphelele Gumede (Ellsphee)
• Nolan C Kalwandu (OUTSIDETHEWOODS)

Spaces Africa – A Beacon of Cultural Representation

This special partnership between African Art Spaces and Robertsons is truly groundbreaking. Since its inception in 2016, Spaces Africa has been a beacon of authentic cultural representation, and this collaboration marks their first official brand rollout!

Durban’s Surprise Exhibition – A Month-Long Celebration

The surprise exhibition that lit up Durban was hosted at The Pencil. An iconic haven for top-tier business professionals, creatives, socialites, and philanthropists, this event was nothing short of spectacular. The Pencil, renowned for its vast and invaluable art collection, is proudly showcasing the AFRICAN ART SPACES exhibition for the entire month of August

A Redefinition of Creative Landscape – African Art Spaces

This event was a vibrant celebration of art, music, and culture, redefining the creative landscape. Curated for the artist by the artist, it was an experience that exuded fun, allure, and unbridled excitement. For three unforgettable days, it was a whirlwind of energy and creativity. Media sensations Leddi G and Siya ‘Scoop’ Ngwekazi kicked off the opening night, with Kabelo Moremi taking the stage on Thursday, and Luthando Shosha closing the festivities at The Pencil.

An Unforgettable Sonic Experience

Attendees were treated to a mesmerising blend of sounds and performances from the likes of:

• Maglera Doe Boy
• Wendy Ntinezo
• FifLaaa
• Deniece Marz
• Chaxllie

The sonic experience was further elevated by the multi-dimensional performances of:

• Shekhina
• A-REECE
• Yolophonik
• Marcus Harvey
• Khuli Chana
• Tinx
• Franadilla
• Namakau Star
• Lenzowannabenzo

Spaces Africa’s Vision for Creative Collaboration

Jay Kayembe, Fresh AF & SPACES AFRICA CCO said, “At SPACES AFRICA, we are dedicated to elevating creative ambition through authentic and unique collaboration. By combining our expertise within the agency organisation alongside the unconventional umbrella platform that is SPACES AFRICA, we hope to elevate and usher through a unique and exciting symbiotic relationship between creatives, platforms and brands in helping to reshape our entire industry. AFRICAN ART SPACES is an example of that. A platform curated for the unconventional – multidisciplinary creatives in facilitating credible platform representation where there is a lack of representation for artists alike.

A Celebration of Creative Diversity

Of course, the event buzzed with a colourful mix of:

• Creatives
• Tastemakers
• Art collectors
• Culture connoisseurs
• Marketers
• Curators
• Visual storytellers
• Curious explorers

From every corner of the industry!

This celebration marked the thrilling launch of an annual tradition, where the region’s vibrant creative diversity takes center stage.

“AFRICAN ART SPACES marks the dawn of a new era in art exhibition experiences. Unlike traditional formats, this initiative places artists at the forefront, emphasizing their pivotal role. By fostering direct connections with brands, we empower artists to innovate and collaborate creatively, setting a new standard for artistic expression and commercial success,” affirmed Fresh AF Managing Director Ally Fathana.