Critique of FNB Art Fair 2026 Questions R200 Tickets, BMW Sponsorship and Kelebogile Marope Prize
On 10 September 2026, a critical essay delves into issues of accessibility, corporate backing, and creativity at the FNB Art Fair held at the Sandton Convention Centre. The author contends that the R200 admission fee alienates numerous South Africans and advocates for complimentary access, given the sponsorship from FNB and BMW. The piece also critiques a Goodman Gallery invitation to a supposedly 'free' event that actually required payment and highlights a R500 fee for a cultural program. It raises concerns about the influence of automotive companies as taste-makers, cautioning that financial support may lead to authoritative control. Additionally, the essay examines the FNB Art Prize awarded to Kelebogile Marope, noting its resemblance to Usha Seerjarim's work, despite FNB Art Joburg claiming Marope's work predates Seerjarim's.
Key facts
- The essay was published on 10 September 2026 on artafricamagazine.org.
- FNB Art Fair entry cost R200, which the writer says is prohibitive for many South Africans.
- A cultural programme participation fee of R500 is criticised.
- Goodman Gallery invited guests to a free event that still required paid entry.
- BMW is embedded in FNB Art Joburg through BMW Collectors Co. and BMW Art Generation.
- Lexus has awarded Best Stand at RMB Latitudes for three consecutive years.
- Kelebogile Marope won the FNB Art Prize; FNB Art Joburg says her work predates Usha Seerjarim's, per the Sowetan.
- Past FNB Art Prize winners include Cedric Nunn, Kudzanai Chiurai, Turiya Magadlela, Portia Zvavahera, Nolan Oswald Dennis, Haroon Gunn-Salie, Bronwyn Katz, Lady Skollie, Dada Khanyisa and Lindokuhle Sobekwa.
- The exhibition title 'Whose Waters Do We Drink From?' is discussed alongside scarce drinking water and abundant wine at the fair.
- Man Ray's flat iron sculpture The Gift was shown at his first solo exhibition in Paris in 1921.
Entities
Artists
- Kelebogile Marope
- Usha Seerjarim
- Kim Kandan
- Mandla Sibeko
- Pablo Picasso
- Marcel Duchamp
- Man Ray
- Emanuel Radnitzky
- Willie Cole
- Cedric Nunn
- Kudzanai Chiurai
- Turiya Magadlela
- Portia Zvavahera
- Nolan Oswald Dennis
- Haroon Gunn-Salie
- Bronwyn Katz
- Lady Skollie
- Dada Khanyisa
- Lindokuhle Sobekwa
Institutions
- FNB Art Fair
- FNB Art Joburg
- FNB Art Prize
- BMW
- BMW Art Generation
- BMW Collectors Co.
- Lexus
- RMB Latitudes
- Goodman Gallery
- Sandton Convention Centre
- Sowetan
- Art Africa Magazine
Locations
- South Africa
- Johannesburg
- Sandton
- Lubumbashi
- Bamako
- Kalba
- Belo Horizonte
- Paris
- France
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Mali
- United Arab Emirates
- Brazil