PLAYSCAPES Shaping Worlds And Selves 2025

SOLO is a dedicated section of the Investec Cape Town Art Fair that seeks to fully explore the artistic practices of artists working locally and abroad, through curated solo presentations

SOLO 2025 Curatorial Statement: “PLAYSCAPES: Shaping Worlds and Selves”Since the dawn of civilisation, play has been a fundamental aspect of human existence, serving not only as a form of leisure but also as an expression of creativity, social interaction, and cultural exploration.

In the arts, play emerges as a subject that intersects with historical, sociological, and cultural dimensions. From prehistoric cave paintings that reveal the early human engagement with play to the West African masquerades affirming the role of play in social and spiritual life or the dreamlike imaginings of the Surrealists in the 20th century, numerous artists have dealt with play as a mode of expression and a philosophical approach. Over time, play has also served as a cultural lens through which artists navigate identity, memory, and societal norms, used as a tool to challenge established power structures or question dominant narratives. Today, the subject of play is reflected in our ever-evolving relationship with technology. Works exploring virtual universes, interactive installations, or participatory performances illustrate the changing nature of play in a technologically driven world, where the boundaries between reality and simulation blur

In 2025, SOLO aims to explore the diverse ways in which contemporary artists engage with the subject of play through whimsical experimentation, imaginative inquiry, and profound exploration. Whether drawing on historical paradigms or reflecting on contemporary realities, this curated section of the fair embraces the transformative possibilities of play and its capacity to shape our understanding of ourselves and the world we inhabit