CIf your ideal autumn weekend involves a little culture, a wander through beautiful gardens, and a glass of wine, RMB Latitudes Art Fair should have your radar bleeping like mad. Returning to Shepstone Gardens in Johannesburg next weekend for its fourth edition, the fair has quickly become one of the city’s best art events, bringing together galleries and artists from across the country and the continent.
This year’s theme, Oasis, is particularly fitting. Marking the City of Gold’s 140th anniversary, it reflects on the idea of creativity flourishing in unexpected places, a nod to a city built without a major body of water that continues to reinvent itself. Inspired in part by the lush gardens that host the fair, it’s a natural fit for a weekend centred around contemporary African art in one of Joburg’s more unusual settings.
And while serious collectors will no doubt arrive with moola to blow, you don’t need to be in the market for a major artwork to enjoy it. This is just as much about discovering new artists, soaking up the atmosphere, and yes, perhaps fantasising about where that wildly impractical sculpture would go in your own home.
First, the art
The main event, naturally, is the art itself, and there’s plenty worth plotting your route around.
Joburg’s own kumalo | turpin is top of our list. The contemporary art space, founded in 2025 by Zanele Kumalo and M.J. Turpin, may be the new kid on the block, but its founders are industry veterans – so we’ll be making a beeline for their stand. Kumalo told Currency that they’ll be showing “a series of new drawings by Boemo Diale, new watercolours from Nathaniel Sheppard III and a first-time artist feature at kumalo | turpin, Oupa Sibeko with oils”.
Friends of Currency and Joburg art stalwarts Everard Read will be taking over the chapel with a focus on works by Lucinda Mudge (in advance of her solo show at the gallery) alongside a mix of other pieces by new and established artists.
Elsewhere, ceramicist Kevin Collins returns with his wonderfully distinctive ceramic wall hangings. They’re dotted with his usual wit, whimsical animals and smart, colourful tattooed characters.
If there’s one project that captures the energy and cool factor of Joburg’s art scene right now, it’s Occupy the Gallery, taking pride of place in Centre Court. Started by two of our favourite creative forces, Mary Sibande and Lawrence Lemaoana, the collective is always worth a look, and we’re very curious to see what they’ve cooked up this time. Featured artists include Siyababa Mtshali, Lungile Ngcobo, Emma Alice Coppola and Cassian Robbertze.
Lagos calling
One thing we particularly love about RMB Latitudes is that while it proudly champions South African art, it also keeps an eye on the rest of the continent. This year, that spotlight falls on Nigeria, home to one of Africa’s most exciting and fast-moving art scenes.
As part of the fair’s International Focus programme, a dedicated Nigeria Pavilion will bring a selection of contemporary Nigerian artists to Johannesburg. For anyone curious about what’s happening beyond our borders (or simply looking to discover someone new before everyone else does), this feels like one of the fair’s more compelling stops. Nigeria’s contemporary art scene has serious energy, and this is a rare chance to get a taste of it without booking a flight to Lagos.
Design detour
While art, art and more art (plus a sneaky glass or two of bubbles) may be the main event at RMB Latitudes, we’re never opposed to a little detour through the Design Showcase. Swapping paintings for beautifully made objects, this section shines a spotlight on designers, makers and craftspeople, with plenty of temptation in the form of ceramics, jewellery, fashion and bags.
Contemporary jewellery and craft lovers should head to Mbali Mthetwa’s The Herd, known for its striking beaded pieces, while Très Nagual brings its distinctive natural perfumery and artisanal soaps. There’s also Ghanaian ethical art and fashion brand Clatural, showcasing signature pieces that blend art, fashion, and craftsmanship.
Art in the garden
We’re always in favour of an art fair that doesn’t take place in a soulless convention centre, and RMB Latitudes is very much its own thing. Set across the wonderfully eccentric Shepstone Gardens, the fair unfolds through cobbled pathways, terraced gardens and a series of quirky spaces, from the Manor House and chapel to the glass marquee and rooftop mezzanine with sweeping views over Joburg.
Tucked into the ridge in Mountain View, the historic venue brings a real sense of theatre and discovery to the whole experience. It feels immersive in a way more conventional art fairs rarely do, as you move between indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces that feel intimate, atmospheric and, at times, a little magical. Come for the art, yes, but the setting is very much part of the charm.
Wine not?
With all that art viewing and air kissing, you’re bound to work up an appetite, and thankfully the food line-up looks more than capable of sorting that out. Hungry? Tasty curries from Vicky Crease, Neapolitan pizza from Coalition, Soul Souvlaki’s Greek street food and Baglios Gelato should hit the spot.
In need of caffeine? Motherland Coffee will be representing, while wine lovers are well looked after too. La Motte will be pouring, Haute Cabrière is the official bubbles partner, and Clink will have a curated wine selection, plus daily tastings at its stand.
The bonus bits
If you’re wondering whether to bring the littles along, the fair has a few family-friendly activities lined up, including interactive games designed to get everyone engaging with the space.
There’s a lively programme of talks and discussions too, featuring artists, thinkers, designers, and musicians – plus, a performance from Joburg Ballet. Other highlights include sessions with new city regeneration project 44 Main, inner-city champions Jozi My Jozi, and conversations with Canvas Capital, the art-collecting stokvel. The full programme line-up is available on the fair’s website if you’d like to plan ahead.
Tickets start at R70 via Quicket. For more information, visit RMB Latitudes Art Fair or follow @latitudes.online. There’s no parking at Shepstone Gardens, so Uber is your easiest option, with drop-off and collection available right outside the venue. Alternatively, make use of the fair’s free Park and Ride service from Old Eds in Houghton, with constant transport running to and from the venue.
For more of our excellent art coverage, go here.
Top image: Rawpixel/Currency collage.
Sign up to Currency’s weekly newsletters to receive your own bulletin of weekday news and weekend treats. Register here.
