IT'S the sixth year of the FNB Art Fair and this year's theme pays tribute to photography for its contribution to art.

Three respected South African photographers - David Goldblatt, Santu Mofokeng and Roger Ballen - lead the collection with their work.

This "special projects work" will form part of the more than 200 artworks that will be displayed at the Sandton Convention Centre late this month. A total of 33 African galleries will be represented as well as galleries from France, Germany and England.

A first for the fair is the participation of galleries from Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Goldblatt (82) says he is excited to take part.

The documentary photographer's collection will explore the idea of values before and after apartheid.

"My concern has been about values and how we express them," he says.

Goldblatt gives the example of the JGStrijdom bust in central Pretoria and what it meant when it collapsed in 2001.

He also addresses what he terms the "neofascist sculpture of the so-called Walter Sisulu Square dedication".

Mofokeng explores black history with his project, The Black Photo Album: 1890-1950, which features photographs of 10 black families.

These photographs are looked at against the background of the birth of apartheid.

Other works in the special projects category include Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner Nandipha Mntambo's Everyone carries a shadow, as well as a video installation by fine artist Mohau Modisakeng.

People can get into the photography theme by posting their pictures on Instagram.

The top 20 images chosen will be showcased at the fair, and the overall winner will take home one of photographer Leon Krige's images.

The fair runs from September 27 to 29. For more information, visit www.joburg artfair.co.za

tlhoaeleb@sundayworld.co.za