RMB Latitudes returns to Johannesburg from 23 to 25 May 2025, bringing together artists and exhibitors from across the continent for a curated celebration of African art. Set against the backdrop of Shepstone Gardens—a magnificent three-acre property—the fair transforms the space into a vibrant platform . It showcases the richness and complexity of contemporary African creativity.
Among the standout presentations is BKHZ Gallery’s booth, featuring a deeply reflective body of work by Thando Salman titled Le Fleur du Mal. Drawing inspiration from Charles Baudelaire’s iconic poem, the exhibition offers a bold critique of macho culture. Through evocative oil paintings, Salman explores the emotional and psychological experiences of young men as they navigate the pressures of modern life.
Swan song
Oil on board. Image courtesy of artist’s Instagram
His subjects appear partially obscured, confronting chaos, violence, and vulnerability within patriarchal societies. By focusing on posture, gesture, and clothing, Salman captures different archetypes of masculinity. Each figure represents a choice, a survival strategy, or a moment of reckoning. His work resonates powerfully in today’s social landscape, especially amid ongoing efforts to address gender-based violence across Africa.
Salman doesn’t position viewers as passive observers. Instead, he invites active participation and self-reflection. The viewer becomes complicit in the scene, forced to consider their role in shaping societal norms. His layered portraits offer more than just commentary—they spark dialogue.
2023-2024
90cm x 137.5 cm x 3.5 cm
Oil paint and Gold leaf on Panel. Image courtesy of artist’s Instagram
Born in 1997 in the Eastern Cape, Thando Salman uses oil painting to document and reimagine new realities for young African men. His practice engages with themes such as social game theory, cooperation, consequence, and deception. Through his work, audiences are encouraged to interrogate the systems that inform personal and collective choices.
Other notable presentations at this year’s fair include Southern Guild, Peffers Fine Art, Stevenson, and Untitled. These galleries present compelling exhibitions such as Tracing Modernist Lineages and Running Parallel, offering fresh perspectives and reaffirming the fair’s commitment to critical and diverse voices.
RMB Latitudes 2025 reinforces its position as a key platform for artistic exchange on the continent. With bold, emotionally resonant work like Salman’s leading the way, the fair continues to challenge, inspire, and connect.
Click here to explore the full program.
