A Tribute to Abstraction and Materiality: ‘Oh So Quiet’ at WHATIFTHEWORLD Gallery in Cape Town

WHATIFTHEWORLD, a renowned contemporary art gallery in Cape Town, is currently hosting a captivating group exhibition titled ‘Oh So Quiet.’ Curated by Akshar Maganbeharie, the exhibition invites visitors to immerse themselves in the world of abstraction, materiality, shape, and elements of figuration.

Inspiration and Artworks

The exhibition draws inspiration from Icelandic artist Björk’s 1995 song ‘It’s Oh So Quiet,’ which Maganbeharie found to be a poetic parallel to the artworks’ intriguing juxtapositions of abstraction, socio-historical contexts, and affective materiality.

‘Oh So Quiet’ showcases diverse mediums such as sculpture, painting, printmaking, and collage, exploring individual methods of construction and themes of cultural identity, home, displacement, and the socio-historical impact of violence on meaning-making processes. Ten accomplished artists, including Belén Uriel, Bella Knemeyer, Ben Orkin, and Sahlah Davids, enrich the exhibition with their unique creativity.

The Gallery

WHATIFTHEWORLD has been a leading contemporary art gallery in South Africa and internationally since its establishment in 2008. The gallery is committed to presenting solo projects and multi-disciplinary installations, focusing on African and diasporic art that engages with global and local contemporary art and socio-political contexts.

Visitors’ Experience

As visitors explore ‘Oh So Quiet,’ they will delve into deep introspection and contemplation. The exhibition blurs the lines between performance, practice, and creation, encouraging viewers to question and construct their narratives.

Location and Hours

The gallery is located on the first floor of 16 Buiten Street in Cape Town’s City Centre and is open Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm, Friday from 9 am to 4 pm, and Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm. For more information, visit whatiftheworld.com.

In conclusion, ‘Oh So Quiet’ at WHATIFTHEWORLD gallery offers an immersive and thought-provoking exploration of abstraction, materiality, and the interplay of various artistic elements. The exhibition’s unique works and the curator’s expert guidance create an engaging experience that should not be missed by art enthusiasts and visitors.