7. This summer’s art must: the KRONE X WHATIFTHEWORLD showcase of 40 artists under 40

VISI / REASONS

One of the summer’s must-see contemporary art exhibitions is KRONE X WHATIFTHEWORLD – a beautifully curated showcase of 40 artists under the age of 40 that’s set to run until 28 February 2022.

eaturing 60 works by 40 artists under the age of 40, this year’s KRONE X WHATIFTHEWORLD showcase is currently taking place at Twee Jonge Gezellen – the home of Krone Cap Classique – in Tulbagh. Definitely one of the unmissable cultural events of the summer, the exhibition represents a celebratory moment for contemporary art, drawing on young talent from across the African continent –and beyond.

Most of the pieces on show were created during the Covid-19 pandemic, with selected artworks placed together in conversation; the idea is to experience all 60 pieces in relation to one another. Much of the art explores renewed negotiations of intimacy and sociality, and mediums span painting, photography, sculpture, murals, video, mixed media and installation. The artists – some up-and-coming, others well-established – represent a generation determined to flip the script, and manifest new ways of making and being in the world.

Lakin Ogunbanwo (Nigeria), Stephané Edith Conradie (Namibia), Sepideh Mehraban (Iran), Chris Soal (South Africa) and Ronald Muchatuta (Zimbabwe) are just a few of the noteworthy participants – and among the many standout works to look forward to are oil-paint-and-plaster sculptures by Mia Chaplin; a delicate pencil drawing by Dada Khanyisa; beadwork sculptures by Asemahle Ntlonti, in collaboration with Noxolo Dyosi and Pumla Lempuku; and large-scale woodblock reliefs by Sthenjwa Luthuli.

ROBYN ALEXANDER PHOTOS SUPPLIED WORDS

Because of the way it’s been laid out, this exhibition is hugely enjoyable to explore, with a map connecting visitors to various installation sites. There are seven indoor and outdoor locations in total, situated across the Twee Jonge Gezellen estate, and the exhibition route is carefully It makes for several hours of enjoyable exploration and contemplation, with the nearby Krone Cap Classique tasting room, set against a majestic mountain and vineyard backdrop, providing an opportunity for refreshment and reflection.

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The exhibition route takes visitors through seven diff erent spaces on the Twee Jonge Gezellen estate; the artworks have been placed in ways that encourage a “conversation” between them – the piece on the wall here is by Buhlebezwe Siwani; Adeniyi Damilola’s Ewa (2020, acrylic on canvas); a work by Mia Chaplin (le ) and Gabrielle Kruger’s Weaving Through (2020, acrylic on board). OPPOSITE, FROM LEFT This light-fi lled exhibition space includes pieces by Feni Chulumanco (le ) and Ben Orkin (centre); Rickshaw Cowboy (2020, acrylic on canvas) by Kylie Wentzel.