Publish or Perish challenges the traditional notion of the solitary artist, reaffirming the belief that the best art is made through collaboration. First exhibited at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair, the installation presents new works from four participating artists, offering a dynamic exploration of creativity and community. This innovative installation transforms the gallery space, as the artworks occupy the pages of a giant, book-like structure.

Inspired by Alison Knowles’ 1967 Big Book, the enlarged book reimagines the traditional form of display. Each page becomes a curated reading of a visual narrative, inviting viewers into an immersive and interactive experience. Knowles’ critique of literary omissions from unpublished authors is reinterpreted here, with the concept of “publishing” now used as a contemporary method of exhibiting art.

The title, Publish or Perish, draws from a familiar academic aphorism that highlights the pressure to publish in order to maintain relevance. This pressure mirrors the demands faced by artists, who must exhibit their work to remain visible in the art world. The artists featured in this installation have undergone a process of peer reviewing, mentorship, and feedback through customised lectures and critique sessions. In doing so, the installation underscores the spirit of collaboration and growth in the creative process.

The fragmented yet communal nature of this project encourages individuality while fostering a sense of community. The exchange of ideas and techniques becomes a vital part of the artistic journey, where the process of creation is as significant as the final work. Now showing for the first time in Johannesburg, this exhibition invites audiences to witness the evolving nature of art-making, where “publishing” and “exhibiting” converge in an immersive experience that celebrates creativity, collaboration, and community.

The installation features the works of four talented artists: Lungile Ngcobo, Mosa Anita Kaiser, Sphatho Mzantsi, and Puseletso Masemene. Each artist brings a unique perspective and creative vision to the project, contributing to a dynamic exploration of collaboration and community in the art-making process. 

Through their collective efforts, the installation redefines the traditional boundaries of art presentation and highlights the value of shared creative experiences.