BMW Art Generation

Betty Phanzu
30 sept.
4 min de lecture

Lifestyle: The BMW Art Generation

By now, you have probably picked up that I am a little whimsical... Let me tell you a story.

For the unfamiliar, the BMW Art Generation is a curated celebration of African art, music, and innovation, held at the Nirox Sculpture Park. Last year’s edition featured performances, exhibitions, and plenty of sun-kissed moments; and here’s how it all unfolded for me.

Last year, I really wanted to listen to some live jazz. It didn't matter how, but it really did matter where, especially if I was taking myself there alone.

But the brain has a hilarious way of helping you achieve what you set your mind to.

After subscribing to the FNB Art Expo newsletter, I received an email about the BMW art generation at the Nirox sculpture park on the 02nd of November. "Sweet, I'm going on a solo date," I thought. I was not too sure what to expect but I knew Nirox and knew my way around it.

Earlier that week, after photographing a hibiscus outside my dentist's practice, I needed a way to embody her. She was so beautiful and you'll understand how she fits here. I then stopped by a souvenir store to browse, then ran my fingers through some scarves. I picked up an orange one and examined it. Felt the silk with an intense and pensive expression (my mother will tell you I do that a lot before a purchase). "I'm taking it," I told myself. "I don't know how I'll use it yet, but I'll figure it out."

On the big day, I knew exactly what I'd drape myself in and off I went. You'll see, I'll leave some photos at the end.

The BMW Art Generation was a sensory experience on all fronts. Pop up clothing stores, food stalls, beguiling weather, but I felt a little lost in my kitten heels (Kitten heels on grass? Really girl?). I had already missed the kinetic installations and afro-surrealist portraits on conversations around identity, climate, and movement. "So what is there left to enjoy?" I wondered.

Roaming around, trying to find how I fit in such a vibrant and busy decor, I approached a security guard to ask about the little hill and the picnic blankets opposite a podium.

"There's a live band playing soon, find a spot before it gets busy" he said.

"Now that's a surprise. Oh well, I guess I have to sit through it" I whispered within. A band of what? I didn't know. Oh please, who actually reads the details on an invitation? I saw art expo and thought I'd be roaming freely on the grass surrounded by pretty artwork. I spotted a petite woman who seemed to be alone too, and introduced myself. We decided to stick together and that besties, is how you make some friends!

Only one problem: We didn't have a blanket (why did no one give us the memo?), and how did everyone else know to bring one? "I'll be back," I told her. And off I went, to spend perhaps a little too much on a Vivier felted wool blanket (where else would I find a blanket, tell me!). She then offered to get us something to eat and drink from the Lucky Bread. In biology, we call this a symbiosis: you scratch my back, I scratch yours.

The band started, and, you guessed it, it was jazz. Amidst the chaos of adult life, that moment felt like I was at the right place at the right time. I mean, what were the odds? (It was literally written on the ticket).

I got to listen to Kopano Jazz Collective, Kujenga, and Thandiswa Mazwai for the first time and... What an experience. I felt goosebumps cover my skin; there it was, there was my jazz riff. By nature, jazz is meditative; it feels like being wrapped in velvet (at least to me). But South African Jazz is hard to describe... You just have to be there.

It speaks to the soul and for a brief moment, even sober, you feel as though something inside you shifts, something inside you heals. I felt like it soothed something inside of me, that ached to feel at home (is the word euphoric?). I am grateful that among the many ways it could have happened, this was the road that led me to it (I could have literally gone to a bar).

On my way out, in a hangar, displayed were Sophia Van Wyk's sculptures from her Love Default series. She explains on a mural that she hoards different materials (wood, concrete, paint), photos of clouds, socio-political and personal moments to bring her art to life through multi-dimensional mixed media art objects. You know what, Sophia? We are not so different after all.

Without a doubt, everyone there would have their own tale about the day; here is mine and I hope you like it.

Keep an eye out for next year's edition! And if you made it to this year's edition, let me know, I write back ;)