BMW South Africa and FNB Art Joburg unite for a free multi-day celebration of contemporary African art, live music, conversations and culture at The BMW Art Haus

BMW South Africa and FNB Art Joburg are bringing together some of the most influential voices in contemporary African and diasporic art for The BMW Art Generation Vol. IV.

Taking place across The BMW Art Haus in Parktown North and the MAX section at FNB Art Joburg’s 19th edition, the programme combines a major exhibition with talks, live music and cultural experiences that celebrate creativity and exchange.

BMW Art Generation Vol. IV Connects Art Across Johannesburg

This year’s edition unfolds across two interconnected venues, allowing visitors to experience the exhibition in both the intimate setting of The BMW Art Haus and the vibrant atmosphere of Africa’s leading contemporary art fair.

“At BMW, we believe art has the power to connect people, open new perspectives and deepen our understanding of the world around us,” says Taz Ramphisa, General Manager: Customer & Brand at BMW South Africa. “The BMW Art Generation reflects our commitment to creativity, cultural exchange and meaningful engagement with contemporary African art.”

BMW Art Generation

The Theme: From Whose Waters Do We Drink?

At the heart of the exhibition is From Whose Waters Do We Drink?, a conceptual framework developed by Kim Kandan.

The exhibition explores the knowledge systems, references and inheritances that shape how people understand the world. Rather than viewing indigenous knowledge as something belonging only to history, the exhibition highlights how these traditions continue to influence contemporary life and artistic practice.

Artists engage with themes including:

  • Memory

  • Identity

  • Place

  • Cultural transmission

  • Ways of knowing

The result is an exhibition designed to encourage conversation as much as observation.

BMW Art Generation

Artists Featured at BMW Art Generation Vol. IV

The exhibition brings together an exceptional line-up of established and internationally recognised artists, including:

  • Professor Berni Searle

  • Bronwyn Katz

  • Cheriese Maharaj

  • donna Kukama

  • Dr George Mahashe

  • Mmakgabo Helen Sebidi

  • Kamil Hassim

  • Kamva Matuis

  • Kemang Wa Lehulere

  • Lady Skollie

  • Lebohang Kganye

  • Lindokuhle Sobekwa

  • Nolan Oswald Dennis

  • Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum

  • Paulo Nazareth

  • Portia Zvavahera

  • Robin Rhode

  • Simnikiwe Buhlungu

  • Yinka Shonibare

Bronwyn Katz
George Mahashe
Lady Skollie Club
SEBIDI

A Weekend of Art, Ideas, Food and Music

The opening weekend takes place on 29 and 30 August 2026, with a full programme designed for visitors to move between The BMW Art Haus and FNB Art Joburg throughout the day.

Doors open at 11:00.

Guided Walkabout

At 12:00, visitors can join a guided walk through From Whose Waters Do We Drink?, exploring how participating artists respond to this year’s central theme.

Conversations with Leading Voices

Panel discussions at 13:00 and 15:00 will unpack the histories, ideas and questions behind the exhibition, featuring influential voices from across the continent.

Reading Room and Bookstore

Throughout the day, Jonathan Ball will host a curated reading room and bookstore featuring literary works connected to the exhibition and its artists.

Food and Wine Experiences

Guests can also enjoy:

  • Local cuisine

  • South African wine

  • Premium Méthode Cap Classique

  • Informal gatherings with artists, collectors and fellow visitors

Live Music Line-Up

Each day concludes with live music from 16:00 to 20:00.

Thando Zide
Nduduzo Makhathini

Free Entry at The BMW Art Haus

Following the opening weekend, The BMW Art Haus will reopen from 3 to 6 September 2026.

During these dates, visitors can experience The BMW Art Generation Vol. IV: From Whose Waters Do We Drink? free of charge, allowing more time to engage with the artworks and revisit the conversations sparked during the opening weekend.

BMW’s Commitment to Contemporary African Art

The BMW Art Generation continues BMW Collectors Co.’s commitment to building meaningful relationships between artists, audiences and ideas.

Presented alongside FNB Art Joburg, the platform strengthens opportunities for audiences to engage with contemporary African artistic practice while supporting the continent’s growing creative ecosystem.

“The BMW Art Generation has always been about more than introducing people to contemporary African art,” says Mandla Sibeko, Director of FNB Art Joburg. “Every encounter contributes to an ecosystem where knowledge is shared across generations, and collecting begins with understanding.”

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