Suburbia Contemporary, a dynamic art gallery based in Barcelona, is set to make its mark on the vibrant Bo-Kaap neighbourhood of Cape Town with its first pop-up exhibition, “ifestile.” Running from February 10 to 15, 2024, at Kitsune on Rose Street, the exhibition is curated by Kim Makin and Francesco Ozzola and forms part of the program of Unbound City by Investec Cape Town Art Fair. The title “ifestile” not only alludes to the venue’s location but also serves as a play on words, incorporating the isiXhosa translation for ‘window’ in English. This choice reflects the exhibition’s aim to provide a unique perspective into aspects of everyday life that influence the art world. By breaking free from the confines of traditional gallery spaces, ifestile seeks to engage with alternative contexts, offering a fresh outlook on the intersection of art, culture, and daily experiences.

In a salon-style arrangement at Kitsune, the exhibition encourages visitors to explore the diverse works of emerging and established artists from both local and international backgrounds. The roster includes Alexandra Karakashian, Amy Rush, Ciara Dunsby, Jacob van Schalkwyk, Jake Aikman, Ed Young, Han Bing, Kim Karabo Makin, Kutlo Mabua, Shana-Lee Ziervogel, Yolena Doda, and Lucy Jane Turpin. Each artist brings a unique perspective, contributing to the rich tapestry of artistic expressions showcased at ifestile.

The theme of “Unbound City” at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair aligns seamlessly with Suburbia Contemporary’s mission to break free from artistic constraints and celebrate diversity. The fair, now in its eleventh edition, provides a platform for emerging and unbound voices, emphasizing the significance of Cape Town as a hub for local and international artists. Unbound City encourages exploration of alternative narratives and fosters an environment where diverse voices can be heard, echoing the ethos of ifestile.

Suburbia Contemporary, founded in 2017 in Granada, Spain, has been on a mission to showcase challenging and innovative creations from various cultures and backgrounds. The gallery, with a focus on providing visibility to artists with a geographically balanced variety, transcends traditional artistic forms. In addition to its Barcelona base, Suburbia Contemporary has introduced Satellite spaces in Cape Town and Florence, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to connecting people across borders through its international art collection.

As ifestile unfolds against the backdrop of Bo-Kaap, a neighborhood known for its rich cultural heritage and colorful facades, Suburbia Contemporary invites art enthusiasts and the public alike to immerse themselves in a dialogue that transcends boundaries. By capturing the essence of everyday life through the eyes of talented artists, ifestile promises to be a unique and enriching experience, contributing to the dynamic landscape of contemporary art in Cape Town.

Featured Image: Curator Kim Makin