THAT ART FAIR 2016: Hand Bag Installation with Top SA Designers and Artists

THAT ART FAIR is proud to host a curated exhibition of ladies handbags created by some of South Africa’s most prominent and emerging fashion designers and artists.

THAT ART FAIR, in collaboration with some of South Africa’s most prominent and emerging fashion designers and artists, presents an exhibition of woman’s handbags. Each artist was invited to create an original hand bag, the only brief to each was “be creative and imaginative!”. This exhibition is curated by Jacques LaGrange and Camilla Bernal.

A woman’s handbag, while being an essential accessory, is also an expression of their individual style and often a symbol of status. Expect some stylish couture and curiously creative bags from these invited designers and artists.

Talitha Deetlefs, one of the contributing sculptural artists, has drawn her inspiration from her belief that a woman’s handbag is a symbol of feminine power. Deetlefs has applied her signature use of sheet metal for her creation. Internationally acclaimed coutourier Jacques LaGrange is one of the contributing artists. La Grange is “obsessed with the East” and his creation is a handmade, Oriental themed, French silk and lace couture dream.

Contributing Artists and Designers for the Handbag installation:

Richard Scott, Talitha Deetlefs, Jacques La Grange, Warrick Gautier , Said Philander, Alex Hamilton, Julia Mpoko, Mzukisi Mbane, Dennis Chuene, Malick Basadien, Louise Gelderblom and Richard Huisamen.

This exhibition will be on for the duration of THAT ART FAIR. The bags will be sold on a silent auction to the highest bidder and the successful bidder of these awesome objects will be proud to know that a portion of the cumulative income will be awarded to a promising and deserving emerging designer. Further details and images of the bags will be posted on our website.

THAT ART FAIR 2016 has expanded its programme to include a eighteen-day- long lineup of exhibitions and events, and will take place from 17 February – 6 March 2016 at The Palms Décor and Lifestyle Centre in Woodstock. Tickets are available via Webtickets.

Press Releases covering the latest developments in the THAT ART FAIR 2016 programme will be available in the Media Centre on our website.

Should you wish to apply for Media Accreditation, click here.

For further information and to get up-to-the-minute news about our ever- expanding list of participants for THAT ART FAIR 2016, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@thatartfair). Alternatively, contact us directly: For high res images, please contact Leigh: [email protected] or +27(0)21 465 9108.

To arrange an interview with the founders and directors of THAT ART FAIR, the curators of the programmed events or the participating artists and galleries, please contact Leigh: [email protected] or +27(0)21 465 9108.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

ABOUT The Founders and Directors of THAT ART FAIR: THAT ART FAIR is an initiative of ART AFRICA magazine, the leading and only African contemporary arts magazine to be founded and published from Africa, for Africa, by Africans. Based in Cape Town, South Africa ART AFRICA was founded in 2002 by Brendon and Suzette Bell- Roberts under the title ARTsouthAFRICA magazine. Now in its 14th year, the publication is dedicated to promoting and stimulating a vibrant African creative arts industry. We are committed to actively promoting transformation and cultural understanding; growing art networks and creating opportunities for young artistic talent from the African continent.

Brendon Bell-Roberts: For the past twenty years Brendon has been designing, curating and publishing. With more than 100 major publications and exhibitions under his belt, he has helped launch the careers of many of South Africa’s top artists and creatives. Together with his wife Suzette he is the founder and publisher of ARTsouthAFRICA magazine, which has evolved into a digital platform in keeping with his focus on the role of creativity, sustainability and positive change in the African digital revolution. Brendon is also co-founder of the Sustain our Africa summit, expo and festival and the Change Agent Communications Consultancy. His projects combine creativity, sustainability and positive change, helping to define the future Africa.

Suzette Bell-Roberts: After completing a BA LLB at the University of Stellenbosch, Suzette practiced law for a number of years. Together with husband Brendon, they co-founded the cutting edge Bell-Roberts Gallery in 1999 and launched ARTsouthAFRICA magazine 3 years later. A passion for work produced by emerging artists committed to exploration and who push the boundaries of their work; an unfaltering commitment to the promotion of the contemporary arts and contemporary culture from Africa and the diaspora now culminates in the launch of THAT ART FAIR. Suzette is currently working towards a Master’s degree in Intellectual Property Law, with a focus on the visual arts.

All media queries: Leigh Bassingthwaighte [email protected] +27 (21) 465 9108 Urgent Queries: +27(0)84 423 6017

All sponsorship and partnership queries: Suzette Bell-Roberts [email protected] +27 (21) 465 9108 Urgent queries: +27 (83) 261 3147

For proposals and submission queries: [email protected] +27 (21) 465 9108