A Day at the Joburg Art Fair: Fashion and Art in Harmony

Buhle Mbonambi

I recently had the pleasure of attending the 17th Joburg Art Fair with Niger-born, Dakar-based designer Alia Baré at the Sandton Convention Centre.

Together, we wandered through the fair, captivated by the incredible blend of fashion and textile-inspired artwork on display. The experience was not only inspiring but also a powerful reminder of how fashion and art have always been deeply connected.

Alia Baré with Trevor Stuurman at the Joburg Art Fair

Stepping into the exhibition space, it was clear that the artists were pushing boundaries and experimenting with materials in unique ways.

One piece that stood out, was one made of out saree scarves, preserved in resin, transformed into a sculptural work of art. The art piece by Cheriese Dilrajh from KwaZulu-Natal, was inspired by the Indian Ocean and her heritage.

Another, Wild Cherry Marie by Cape Town artist Vivienne Koorland, featured burlap and linen, meticulously painted with intricate details, creating a textured and layered effect that drew me in.

One of the more provocative pieces, Bad Girls Go Everywhere by Kresiah Mukwazhi from Zimbabwe, used discarded bra straps to craft a bold statement. The use of such unexpected materials really spoke to how fashion can be transformed into art and vice versa. 

But the one that truly stopped me in my tracks was a mixed media artwork, Jasper, that looks like it was made entirely of cotton thread. The artist, Cape Town's Mark Rautenbach, had unwoven the thread, grading it from pure white to a rich, deep magenta, and framed it in a way that formed beautiful ripples and gatherings. It was stunning in its simplicity yet complex in its execution. For me, it represented the intricate threads of culture and identity that weave together the African creative community.

Jasper, a mixed media art piece that looks like it was made entirely of cotton thread. The artist is Cape Town's Mark Rautenbach. 

PICTURE: Everard Read

I was also drawn to the works of fashion designer Lukhanyo Mdingi, who exhibited woven fabrics and textiles that bridged the gap between fashion and art. His pieces, titled The Best Is Yet To Come, felt like a tribute to craftsmanship, showing how fabric can be more than just clothing—it can tell stories, evoke emotion, and create a sense of place.

This got me thinking about designers like Thebe Magugu and Laurence Airline, who have collaborated with artists to create unique printed textiles that blur the lines between the two worlds.

Walking through the fair, I couldn’t help but imagine how many of these artworks could inspire new fashion prints and designs.

It wasn't wasn’t just about the art on the walls. It was a meeting point for the creative community, with familiar faces like Ngüo designer, Tumie Mohoasa; Anelisa Mangcu, Trevor Stuurman, Minnie Dlamini, Maria McCloy, Kojo Baffoe and more, bringing their own vibrant energy.

Overall, the Joburg Art Fair was an enriching experience. It reminded me that fashion and art have always gone hand-in-hand, each influencing the other in ways that are constantly evolving.

The creativity, innovation, and sense of community on display left me feeling inspired, and I’m excited to see how these connections will continue to shape the future of both fashion and art in Africa.