Céline Seror: Navigating Art Entrepreneurship with bold Optimism
At Investec Cape Town Art Fair, Céline Seror presents SOLO, Playscapes: Shaping Worlds and Selves, a section exploring themes of openness and exploration. As a multifaceted art entrepreneur, she reflects on the challenges of curation and the art of crafting meaningful artistic narratives.
Céline SEROR
Ngalula MAFWATA : SOLO, Playscapes: Shaping Worlds and Selves, evokes themes of openness and exploration, could you share more about the curatorial concept behind this section? What ideas or influences shaped its vision?
Céline SEROR : What I love about curating is the opportunity to craft and share narratives that challenge, surprise, and expand our ways of seeing the world. Playscapes: Shaping Worlds and Selves was born from this same desire—to present artistic perspectives that invite us to rethink how we construct our realities and identities through play.
A fundamental influence in shaping Playscapes was the idea that play is not merely a pastime but a powerful force that shapes history, memory, and self-perception. Just as history plays a vital role in constructing our collective and personal narratives, play—through exploration, reinvention, and imagination—helps us understand who we are and who we might become.
“What I love about curating is the opportunity to craft and share narratives that challenge, surprise, and expand our ways of seeing the world”
Ngalula MAFWATA : SOLO brings together 10 artists and 10 galleries, each with a distinctive approach—some participating for the first time. What key elements guided your selection process, and how did you navigate the challenge of creating a cohesive narrative across these diverse practices?
Céline SEROR : The selection process always begins with the artists and the works that best align with the theme of the section. Only then comes the choice of galleries representing them. This approach is essential to building a cohesive narrative centred around the most relevant artworks. That being said, diversity—in techniques, geographical backgrounds, and generations—was also a key consideration. I wanted to highlight that there is no single way to explore how play can shape our worlds and ourselves. The curated diversity within the section is intentional, ensuring that every visitor can find their own point of connection and interpretation.
Ngalula MAFWATA : As a multifaceted art entrepreneur, you have pioneered platforms such as IAM, The Art Momentum, and Artness. What are some of the most valuable lessons you have garnered through these initiatives, particularly in fostering a transcultural approach to contemporary art?
Céline SEROR : Ha! I would say the most valuable lesson has been the importance of defining a clear vision and cultivating a positive, purpose-driven mindset when designing and developing projects. Creating an environment of trust and care—both for and with the people you work with—is essential. Art entrepreneurship comes with its challenges, and without a well-articulated goal—such as fostering a transcultural approach to contemporary art and making it accessible to the widest possible audience—along with a reliable network of collaborators, the journey becomes almost impossible.
Elevation, Ange DAKOUO (2019)
Ngalula MAFWATA : Investec Cape Town Art Fair is a major event, bringing together a dynamic mix of galleries and artists. In your view, what makes it such a unique and vital platform for contemporary art on the African continent?
Céline SEROR : I have been collaborating with the Investec Cape Town Art Fair for the past eight years and have witnessed its remarkable evolution into the most prominent art event on the African continent. This transformation is outstanding and speaks to the fair’s ability to respond to the growing need for visibility and exposure for artists and galleries in Africa and beyond.
“I would say the most valuable lesson has been the importance of defining a clear vision and cultivating a positive, purpose-driven mindset when designing and developing projects.”
Ngalula MAFWATA : Who/What are your must-sees this edition ?
Céline SEROR : That’s a very difficult question as each artist and gallery offer a distinctive perspective on the theme. For example, we’ll be looking at how personal memories and dreams allow artists such as Kristine Tsala or Justin Yoon escape and find themselves in other worlds. Artists like Soly Cissé and Ange Dakouo engage with historical narratives, portraying the world as a collection of individual experiences influenced by traditions and history, while also being shaped by elements of chance. Lastly, I am thrilled to reveal Eman Ali's AI-generated works and highlight how technology disruption continues contributing artists creativity.
SOLO, Playscapes: Shaping Worlds and Selves, Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2025
Investec Art Fair 2025 - 21-23 February 2025, more www.investeccapetownartfair.co.za
