Johannesburg’s cultural calendar is set for another major moment as BMW Art Generation Vol. IV opens across BMW Art Haus in Parktown North and the MAX section at FNB Art Joburg’s 19th edition.
Presented by BMW South Africa in collaboration with FNB Art Joburg, this year’s edition brings together an exhibition, public conversations, books, food, wine and live music. The programme opens on Saturday, 29 August and Sunday, 30 August 2026, inviting audiences to spend a weekend engaging with some of the most important voices in contemporary African and diasporic art.
Exploring knowledge, memory and identity
At the heart of BMW Art Generation Vol. IV is From Whose Waters Do We Drink?, a conceptual framework developed by Kim Kandan.
The exhibition asks visitors to reflect on the knowledge systems, references and inheritances that influence how people understand the world. It considers where knowledge comes from, who carries it and how it continues to evolve through generations.
Rather than placing indigenous knowledge systems only in the past, the exhibition looks at how they remain active within contemporary life and artistic practice. Themes of memory, place, identity, transmission and belonging move through the work, creating a space where histories and perspectives can exist in conversation.
The exhibition features an impressive group of 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 and Yinka Shonibare.
The opening weekend programme begins at 11:00 each day, with a guided walkabout through From Whose Waters Do We Drink? at BMW Art Haus at 12:00.
Visitors can also attend conversations at 13:00 and 15:00, featuring voices from across the continent discussing the ideas, histories and questions behind the exhibition. A reading room and bookstore by Jonathan Ball will offer a collection of titles connected to the participating artists and the broader themes of the programme.
The experience continues into the evening with food, wine, Methode Cap Classique and music. DJ sets and headline live performances will run from 16:00 to 20:00.
Thando Zide headlines the Saturday programme, while acclaimed pianist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini leads the Sunday music line-up.
Free viewing from 3 to 6 September
Following the opening weekend, BMW Art Haus will reopen for free viewing from 3 to 6 September 2026. This gives visitors a chance to experience the exhibition at their own pace, return to individual works and spend more time with the questions raised by the programme.
BMW Art Generation Vol. IV offers more than an art exhibition. It is a meeting point for artists, audiences, ideas and cultural exchange, placing Johannesburg at the centre of a wider conversation about contemporary African creativity.
Event details
Event: BMW Art Generation Vol. IV, From Whose Waters Do We Drink?
Opening weekend: Saturday, 29 August and Sunday, 30 August 2026
Venue: BMW Art Haus, Parktown North, Johannesburg, and MAX at FNB Art Joburg
Doors open: 11:00
Guided walkabout: 12:00
Conversations: 13:00 and 15:00
Music programme: 16:00 to 20:00
Free viewing: 3 to 6 September 2026 at BMW Art Haus
FNB Art Joburg entry: Ticketed separately
For ticket and reservation information, visit BMW South Africa’s Art Generation event channels and FNB Art Joburg’s official platforms.