Cape Town's galleries are staying open late for First Thursdays today, August 6, offering everything from contemporary art and architecture to photography and powerful stories of resilience. If you're heading into the CBD tonight, here are seven exhibitions worth adding to your route.
AS SHE IS
33 Bree Street
Making its African debut, AS SHE IS brings the internationally acclaimed Bold Beauty Project to Cape Town. The photographic exhibition features 17 women from across the Western Cape living with disabilities, captured by leading South African photographers. Through powerful portraits and personal stories, the exhibition celebrates confidence, individuality and inclusion while challenging conventional ideas of beauty.
The Theatre of the Yellow Rock Fort
Association for Visual Arts (AVA), 35 Church Street
Cape Town printmaker Kristen McClarty presents a series of woodcuts inspired by a stretch of coastline she calls the Yellow Rock Fort. Using light, shadow and texture, the exhibition explores the changing relationship between landscape and memory.
Terrains of Memory
Association for Visual Arts (AVA), 35 Church Street
Ayobola Kekere-Ekun's exhibition reflects on memory, identity and healing through layered textile-inspired works. The collection explores how personal history continues to shape growth, resilience and self-discovery.
A Little Show
SMAC Gallery, 25 Church Street
This group exhibition brings together emerging and established South African artists working on an intimate scale. By focusing on smaller works, A Little Show encourages visitors to slow down and appreciate detail over spectacle.
Ctrl+Z
WORLDART, 68 Long Street
Part of the HEAT Winter Arts Festival, Ctrl+Z features works by five emerging artists exploring ideas of reflection, reinvention and change. The exhibition opens on First Thursdays before continuing throughout the festival.
A Very Loop Street Winter
EBONY/CURATED, 67 Loop Street
This seasonal group exhibition showcases works by established and emerging contemporary artists, creating a thoughtful dialogue around winter, reflection and the evolving South African art landscape.
Everyday Infrastructure
Cape Institute for Architecture, 116 Loop Street
Architecture takes centre stage in this collaborative exhibition by YES& Studio and fellow designers. Everyday Infrastructure examines the spaces, systems and urban design elements that quietly shape daily life in Cape Town.
Plan your route
Most participating galleries will remain open until 8pm, making it easy to explore several exhibitions on foot. With stops along Bree, Church, Long and Loop streets, this month's First Thursdays offers an evening packed with art, conversation and fresh perspectives.
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