Episode 3 of Art in Focus, explores the future of the African art market. Host Tristanne Farrell speaks with the winner of the Investec Cape Town Art Fair’s Tomorrow’s Today prize, Boemo Diale and art journalist and curator, Sean O’Toole. Together, they discuss how young African artists can transform raw talent into commercial success; the accessibility of the art market to the youth, and how established artists are giving back to the art profession.
Listen to ep 3 now
Art as a career choice
Boemo Diale reflects on her journey, noting that her path into art was somewhat serendipitous. “I’ve been making and fiddling since I was young,” she recounts, describing how attending fairs sparked the idea of art as a career. Winning the Investec Cape Town Art Fair’s Tomorrow’s Today prize was transformative: “It introduced me to a collector’s base and gave me affirmation,” she explains.
The importance of art fairs in promoting underrepresented artists
Sean O’Toole discusses why art fairs have become an effective platform for emerging artists. “The appeal of art fairs is their concentrated gathering of galleries, offering visibility and potential sales,” he says. The fairs serve as a vital touchpoint for international collectors and galleries scouting new talent. He highlights successful stories, like that of Zimbabwean-born artist Brett Seiler, who leveraged such occasions as a launchpad into the international gallery scene.
Challenges and gatekeeping
The art world, while rich with opportunity, isn’t without its hurdles. “Sometimes it can be hard to get a foot in the door,” Boemo acknowledges. She stresses the need for personal initiative, saying, “You have to do a lot of your own PR work initially.” Sean echoes this sentiment, identifying “money for production” as a critical issue young artists face. Beyond financial constraints, the necessity of connections, the perils of envy in artistic circles and artist burnout all stand out as significant challenges.
The Digital Boost
Social media’s role in the art world presents both opportunities and drawbacks. Sean points to its power as a “medium of discovery,” citing the meteoric rise of artists like Amoako Boafo. Yet, both he and Boemo caution against over-reliance on digital platforms, noting that “real-world” engagement with art offers a more profound experience.
Giving back to the art community
Established artists have been creating community-based initiatives, giving back to their roots. Boemo appreciates these models, aspiring to similar endeavours. “When I get to a point where I feel confident enough… I want to give back to my community,” she says, underlining the importance of role models in achieving self-actualisation.
Advice for collectors
For budding collectors, Sean offers straightforward advice: “Trust your own eye but broaden your insights. Travel and read to enrich your experience.” He emphasises understanding the local context while appreciating global influences – essentially encouraging collectors to see art not just as an investment, but as a journey of discovery.
Emerging artists to watch
Boemo and Sean share their excitement for contemporary talents. Boemo highlights Sichumile Adam for her thought-provoking work on black identity, while Sean points to photographer Lindokuhle Sobekwa and painter Tesfaye Urgessa for their compelling narratives and unique styles.
In closing, the podcast episode captures the dynamic interplay of creativity, opportunity, and community within the African art landscape, setting the stage for the upcoming Investec Cape Town Art Fair as a pivotal moment in celebrating the continent’s finest artistic talents.
