The journey of South African contemporary art often moves between the vibrant, dusty heart of the Karoo and the sleek, urban galleries of the city. This May, that journey takes a significant step forward as curator Liza Grobler presents ‘’n Greep uit Grenslose Gesprekke’ at the HUB Gallery in Cape Town. Following her successful tenure as the curator for the 30th Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK) visual arts programme, Grobler has distilled the essence of that massive festival undertaking into a focused, poignant exhibition that runs from 7 May to 25 June 2026.
A National Conversation Transformed
The exhibition’s title, which translates to ‘A Byte from Limitless Conversations,’ is more than just a name; it is a curatorial framework. Originally presented at the KKNK under the theme ‘Dialogues across Place and Time,’ the programme initially featured 22 distinct projects ranging from massive installations to site-specific performances. Now, housed within the historic Union House in Cape Town’s CBD, the work takes on a new life.
“What began in the Karoo as a wide-ranging conversation now shifts into a city context,” Grobler explains. By selecting specific works that continue to speak to one another, she has created a “mobile version” of the festival—a way of carrying the momentum of the KKNK forward while allowing the audience to view the pieces through a different lens.
Connection Through Contrast
At the heart of this exhibition is a fascination with how artists interact when they are stripped of traditional gallery hierarchies. The selection brings together creators from across South Africa and beyond, spanning various regions, practices, and career stages. Many of these artists would not typically find themselves sharing a wall, yet here they meet on an equal footing.
The exhibition prioritizes exchange over categorization. Instead of grouping works by medium or reputation, the curation focuses on how pieces speak to one another across their differences. This creates a “non-hierarchical” atmosphere where the viewer is encouraged to find connections in the contrast rather than the similarities.
Highlights and Award-Winning Talent
The timing of this exhibition coincides with a period of high recognition within the South African arts landscape. Several participating artists have recently been nominated for the prestigious Kanna Awards. Notable inclusions in the dialogue are:
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Diane Victor: Her work ‘Brother Bear in Africa’ is a major highlight, having been presented in South Africa for the first time at the KKNK following international acclaim.
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Hannah Peyton: A Kanna Award nominee whose work contributes to the exhibition’s rich narrative.
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nomThunzi Mashalaba: The 2026 KKNK festival artist, whose solo show ‘So, I Let Silence Explain’ was a cornerstone of the festival programme, is referenced throughout this continuation.
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Plek/Place: The exhibition includes works originating from this landmark anniversary project, which explored themes of location and belonging.
Liza Grobler herself has received nominations for both her curatorial vision on ‘Plek/Place’ and her collaborative practice, further cementing the importance of this showcase.
The Role of Spier Arts Trust and HUB Gallery
Presented by Spier Arts Trust (SAT), the exhibition is a testament to the organization’s commitment to supporting artists and curators beyond the initial “festival moment”. SAT, a nonprofit led by CEO Mirna Wessels, works in partnership with entities like Spier Wine Farm, Hollard, and Nando’s to administer a vital ecosystem of career-development opportunities.
House Union Block (HUB), the host venue, serves as a specific artist career-development programme under the SAT umbrella. It offers a platform for fine artists who are not necessarily affiliated with commercial galleries to exhibit and sell their work. By hosting ’n Greep uit Grenslose Gesprekke, HUB Gallery connects these fine artists with the broader industry, including professionals in interior design and architecture.
An Invitation to Engage
This exhibition is more than a simple recap of what happened in the Karoo. It is a quieter, more concentrated encounter that asks viewers to consider what happens when art is lifted from one context and allowed to speak again in another. It is an invitation to witness a national conversation that is still very much in progress.
For those looking to dive deeper into the documentation of the 30th KKNK visual arts programme, a Press Morning and Catalogue Launch is scheduled for 15 May 2026 (TBC), following the Kanna Awards.
Exhibition At A Glance
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Exhibition: ’n Greep uit Grenslose Gesprekke
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Curator: Liza Grobler
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Venue: HUB Gallery, 25 Commercial Street, Cape Town
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Dates: 7 May – 25 June 2026
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Contact: pearlmar@scoutpr.co.za for more information
