What If The World Art Gallery
Explore WHATIFTHEWORLD, a renowned contemporary art gallery showcasing innovative exhibitions with a strong focus on Africa and the African diaspora.
Description
Founded in 2012, WHATIFTHEWORLD has established itself as a leading contemporary art gallery in South Africa and internationally. With a focus on Africa and the African diaspora, the gallery represents influential artists who critically engage with global and local socio-political contexts.
The gallery hosts ambitious solo projects and multi-disciplinary installations, fostering an environment where artists have the freedom to create significant exhibitions. It also has a strong history in publishing, having produced numerous catalogues and artist monographs.
Regularly participating in prestigious art fairs such as the Armory Show, 1-54, and Untitled, its artists have exhibited in major biennials and at institutions like the Tate Modern, MOMA, and the Guggenheim Bilbao.
Company Group
What If The World
Email Address
Enquiries: eleonora@whatiftheworld.com
Phone Number
Social Media
Google Rating
Art Styles
Contemporary art | Mixed media | Painting | Photography | Sculpture
Exhibitions
Solo Exhibitions | Focused shows highlighting the work, themes, and style of one artist.
Group Exhibitions | Themed shows bringing multiple artists together around shared ideas or materials.
Conceptual & Political Art | Exhibitions dealing with identity, memory, post-colonial histories, queerness, and social issues.
Material-Driven & Experimental Work | Shows featuring innovative use of materials, mixed media, installation, and experimental processes.
Art + Publishing Projects | Exhibitions often supported by catalogues, essays, or artist books for deeper context.
Estimated Duration
1 – 2 hours
Activities
Art Consultation | Art Exhibitions | Artist Talks & Conversations | Book & Catalogue Launches | Exhibition Openings / First Thursdays | Guided Gallery Tours | Pop-Up Events | Workshops & Educational Sessions
Experiences
- View cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions and multi-disciplinary installations that challenge socio-political narratives
- Attend exhibition openings and artist talks to gain deeper insights and meet exhibiting artists.
- Explore the unique gallery space housed in a former synagogue, part of Woodstock’s creative revival.
Guided Tours
By appointment
Dress Code
Casual
What to Bring
Camera | Comfortable walking shoes | Light weather jacket | Notebook | Water
Additional Information
Strong focus on contemporary African & diaspora artists.
Exhibits at international art fairs and biennials.
Publishes catalogues and artist books.
Inside Guides
Visit on weekday mornings for quiet viewing.
Go on First Thursdays for an energetic atmosphere.
Phone photography is fine, just no staged shoots.
Great cafés nearby to continue your outing.
Restrictions & Rules
Photography:Â No Staged photography, some exhibitions may have photography restrictions; ask the staff before taking pictures.
Touching Artwork:Â Unless stated otherwise, artworks should not be touched.
Noise Levels:Â The gallery encourages quiet appreciation to maintain the atmosphere for all visitors.
Reservation Policies
Reservations: Not required, walk-ins are welcome.
Estimate Price Range
Free entry
Entry Fee & Prices
Free entrance
Booking Methods
Email | Phone | Website | Walkins welcome
African-diaspora focus
Ambitious solo projects
Art exhibitions
Art-fair participation
Child friendly
Client consultation service
Contemporary exhibitions
Events and Fundraisers
Guided tours available
Multi-disciplinary installations
Publishing history
Restrooms
Solo and group shows
Street parking
Wheelchair accessible
No photoshoots allowed
Must Tries
Explore the Latest Exhibition Rooms: Move through each room slowly — the curation reveals layered materials, details, and stories that reward careful looking.
Attend a First Thursdays Opening: Experience the gallery at its liveliest, filled with artists and creatives, offering a true pulse of Cape Town’s contemporary art scene.
Highlights
Bold, Thought-Provoking Art: Expect work exploring identity, memory, and politics — art that stays with you long after your visit.
A Mix of Emerging and Established Voices: Discover rising talent and recognised artists together, offering a fresh snapshot of contemporary African creativity.
Features
- African-diaspora focus
- Ambitious solo projects
- Art exhibitions
- Art-fair participation
- Child friendly
- Client consultation service
- Contemporary exhibitions
- Events and Fundraisers
- Guided tours available
- Multi-disciplinary installations
- Publishing history
- Restrooms
- Solo and group shows
- Street parking
- Wheelchair accessible
- No photoshoots allowed
Must Tries
Explore the Latest Exhibition Rooms: Move through each room slowly — the curation reveals layered materials, details, and stories that reward careful looking.
Attend a First Thursdays Opening: Experience the gallery at its liveliest, filled with artists and creatives, offering a true pulse of Cape Town’s contemporary art scene.
Highlights
Bold, Thought-Provoking Art: Expect work exploring identity, memory, and politics — art that stays with you long after your visit.
A Mix of Emerging and Established Voices: Discover rising talent and recognised artists together, offering a fresh snapshot of contemporary African creativity.
Address
First Floor, 16 Buiten Street, City Centre
Parking: Street parking available nearby
Opening Hours
| Monday – Thursday | 09h00 – 17h00 |
| Friday | 09h00 – 16h00 |
| Saturday | 09h00 – 13h00 |
| Sunday | Closed |
What To Expect
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