This weekend I went to the Turbine Art Fair, at the historic Turbine Hall in downtown Joburg. This is the Turbine Art Fair’s third year, but I was out of town the last two years so this was my first time going.

The top floor of Turbine Hall.

The Turbine Art Fair is different from other art shows for a couple of reasons: 1) The Fair takes place in Turbine Hall, which which was built nearly 100 years ago as a power station and has recently been transformed into a unique, top-of-the-line events venue. 2) The Turbine Art Fair focuses on emerging artists, which means that much of the art for sale is relatively affordable. All of the art is priced at R40,000 ($3235) or below and there are several pieces available for R2000 ($161) or less.

I didn’t buy anything, although I did see several things I liked. (I have too many other things that I need to spend money on right now.) But I enjoyed exploring the fair and taking a few candid shots of the other attendees.

Don’t touch!

Dr. Livingstone, I presume?

Portrait exchange: Artist Anthea Moys (right) is running a live exhibition in which she and another participant sketch each other’s faces without looking down at the paper. At the end of one minute they exchange the sketches.

Sax player.

I think she’s had enough of the art.

If you haven’t made it to the art fair yet, you’ve still got about three hours to get down there. I imagine there are still lots of great deals (and great people-watching) left to enjoy.