The subdued atmosphere of the previous year (I wasn't there, but by all accounts the mood was gloomy) seem to have lifted. Buyers crowded the aisles and red stickers began to make their cheerful appearance.
Last year, the Michael Stevenson Gallery reputedly failed to sell a single work. Times have changed. This year, the gallery made the decision to show the work of a single artist, Penny Siopis, and the space was sparely hung with six of her paintings. By the end of the evening, half had been sold.
There is generally more space around, more space within the gallery booths themselves and in the centre of the exhibition space, a welcome exhibition by Source of some of the most innovative design in South African furniture and lighting by young designers.
Again, several galleries from outside South Africa's borders are here: the October Gallery, from London, Gallery Watatu from Kenya, Galerie Beatrice Binoche from Reunion Island, and Peter Hermann from Berlin.
A highlight of this year's fair is Siemon Allen's Records, a long corridor space lined with two metre square images of of 78 r.p.m. vinyl records of African music, well worn, well rubbed. The installation is part of the Gordon Schachat Collection.
But there is lots to see, on every hand. But only till Sunday. Don't miss it.
Opening night at the Art Fair
Siemon Allen's Records
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