Krone X WhatIfTheWorld 40 under 40 showcase

KRONE X WhatIfTheWorld is proud to present 40 under 40. It is a showcase of 40 artists under the age of 40, as a joint project with BMW Young Collectors Co, an initiative of FNB Art Joburg

This intriguing as well as provocative presentation of 60 diverse works from 40 young artists – all of whom are under the age of 40 – has been installed across seven indoor and outdoor sites at the historic Twee Jonge Gezellen Estate, the home of Krone Cap Classique, in Tulbagh.

The six-month-long show represents a celebratory moment on the contemporary art calendar. It draws on rising and established talents from across the African continent and beyond. It is certainly one of the must-see cultural events of the South African Spring/Summer season.

Pandemic Works

Selected works are placed together in conversation. The artists created these largely during the pandemic. Of course, collectively, they address a world which demands renewed negotiations of intimacy and sociality. These responses span painting, photography, sculpture, murals, video, mixed media, and installation. Some of the artists are up-and-coming, while others are already well established. They represent a generation determined to flip the script and manifest new ways of making and being in the world.

According to the exhibition organisers: “Through their pieces, the participating artists reflect, on the one hand, a deep care for images which bind us to history and, on the other hand, an impulse to experiment with entirely new forms of expression. Also, the exhibiting artists share a desire to create hybrid, often poetic, forms that are a testament to their ability to meet challenges with innovation and sensitivity.”

Participating Artists

The 40 participating artists include Lakin Ogunbanwo (Nigeria), Stephané Edith Conradie (Namibia), Sepideh Mehraban (Iran), Chris Soal (South Africa) and Ronald Muchatuta (Zimbabwe), among others. The impetus is to experience all 60 pieces in relation to one another. Standout examples to look forward to include oil paint and plaster sculptures by Mia Chaplin; exquisitely rendered beadwork sculptures by Asemahle Ntlonti in collaboration with Noxolo Dyosi and Pumla Lempuku; delicate pencil drawing by Dada Khanyisa; large scale woodblock reliefs by Sthenjwa Luthuli; and paintings by Callan Grecia and Matthew Eguavoen. 

Guests will navigate the breadth and depth of the exhibition via directional wayfinding and a map connecting the various sites. There are seven locations spread across the estate and the route is ordered from start to finish. The exhibition begins at the Krone X WhatIfTheWorld gallery premises. It also leads out onto the gardens and lawns, winding its way to the cellar annexe and arcade, finishing at the reception area. It makes for several hours of exploration and contemplation.

The nearby Krone Cap Classique tasting room sits against a majestic mountain and vineyard backdrop. It provides ample opportunity for pause, refreshment, and reflection. This is all just 90 minutes’ drive from Cape Town…

WhatIfTheWorld have collaborated since 2018

40 under 40 exists as part of a continuum. The progressive and much-adored Cap Classique brand Krone and leading gallery WhatIfTheWorld joined forces in 2018. This is also when they established the Krone X WhatIfTheWorld gallery at the estate. Being geographically situated outside of the bustle of the city, the gallery is a contemplative space for viewers to engage with art in a more intimate and immersive way. 

In 2019, Krone X WhatIfTheWorld set up an artist-in-residence programme at the estate as a way of encouraging artists to experiment without the pressure of a commercial outcome. This residency offers artists the chance to work undisturbed, surrounded by the natural environment. 

The 40 under 40 envisions a broad survey of young artists whilst using curatorial intervention to foster meaning through contextualising the selected works in relation to one another.

In order to allow visitors a more personal engagement with the pieces on show, there will be guided public walkabouts and artists’ activations on the dates below: 

• 6 November 2021
• 4 December 2021
• 15 January 2022
• 5 February 2022

Entrance to the exhibition itself is free. However, pre-booking for the walkabouts is essential. Walkabout participants will also enjoy a glass of Krone Cap Classique.

Book via email igsaan@whatiftheworld.com.

For more information visit: www.whatiftheworld.com/krone/ and www.kronecapclassique.co.za.