Artsy's October Small Gallery Picks Feature Chuma Adam and Siyabonga Fani at 99 Loop

Artsy's October highlights feature five notable exhibitions at emerging galleries, including a two-person show at Cape Town's 99 Loop Gallery. Titled "Catching," this exhibition showcases South African artists Chuma Adam and Siyabonga Fani, focusing on the relationship between materials and memory. It will be open until October 24. Johannesburg-based Adam, born in 2001, presents monochrome acrylics on umbhaco cotton, a fabric traditionally used in Xhosa ceremonies. Her labor-intensive technique involves repetitive brushstrokes that form a dynamic field of gestures. Among her works is "Umkhondo (A Trail/Mark)," from 2026, alongside Fani's "umlambo," also dated 2026. Adam completed her honors degree in fine arts at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2024 and was a finalist for the Wits Young Artist award. Additionally, the roundup mentions Hisham Sharif's "Chase," a 2026 piece at Ayyam Gallery, although specifics are not included. This selection reflects Artsy's commitment to highlighting emerging artists and spaces.