ruby blankfield

GALLERY SITES, CAPE TOWN

ABOUT OUR ART PINS CURRENTLY DROPPING ANCHOR AT THE V&A WATERFRONT & IN SEA POINT

"The very observation of beauty is the absence of the observer."

- J. Krishnamurti

Influenced by Krishnamurti's philosophy on the observation of beauty as being perceived in a state of being in which the self is entirely absent, part of Ruby Blankfield's Manifesto is that the digestion and absorption of art can occur outside the walls of the white cube, in spaces and places where it's easier to let go and abandon the self as observer. Often it's in these pure moments of dissolved ego and abandoned self that we become experiential and immersive beings, feel connected to the all and are able to liberate ourselves from the shackles of our conditioned separateness.

Inducing synesthesia like states triggers our senses to overlap into realms wherein it's possible to hear colours, taste sound or mirror touch. The perception of beauty is amplified here because the self is convinced to be unconstrained, less dominant, more fluid and more absent. Our modus operandi for achieving this end is sensory overload and sensory overlap, in environments totally dissimilar to white cubes. Hence other places and spaces, where the effects of a-lot-going-on-simultaneously, provides enough of a distraction to really lose oneself.

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Conversely, whilst white cube galleries restrict and restrain sensory flow in one dimensional spaces, locking observers, absorbers and viewers in, new artists are locked out. Our aim is to break open the white cube; allowing unknown, exotic, emerging, peripheral, fresh and sometimes long forgotten artists in, providing walls for their works in unexpected and atypical places and spaces that are multi-sensory. In many ways, this implies the democratisation of the observation of art without compromising aesthetics, talent or the artistic merits of a work.

Just as the democratic process (in theory) relies on participation and active citizenry so too Ruby Blankfield's vision relies on her 'place holders' be they vendors, operators, public spaces, restaurants, bars, hotels, corporate offices or the like, to become vessels for the transformative power of art, thus supporting artists, growing community and introducing their clients, staff or patrons to artworks they might not otherwise, ever see or experience.
CAUSE | EFFECT, V & A Waterfront
SIP THE DREAM IN THE NUMBER ONE MOST VISITED SITE ON THE AFRICAN CONTINENT

THE ART OF DRINKING MEETS THE INTOXICATION OF ART
ABOUT OUR LATEST GALLERY WALL AT CAUSE | EFFECT COCKTAIL BAR, V & A WATERFRONT, CAPE TOWN
CAUSE | EFFECT cocktail bar is currently positioned at #53 in the world for best cocktail bar globally. It's relaxing home is a heritage building in the V & A Waterfront, Cape Town that was used as a pack shed in a previous life. With it's rustic meets real feel, antique stone walls and a very long bar that runs through the centre of the establishment, a tranquil outside deck set amidst a vibrant and diverse pedestrian thoroughfare in the heart of Cape Town's beautiful Waterfront, CAUSE | EFFECT is truly a unique destination.

Flanked by Table Mountain, the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town's new Cruise Terminal and the most luxe shopping in Africa, hosts Kurt and Ruzaan the husband and wife duet behind the expansive succes of CAUSE | EFFECT will make you feel like you've finally come home. Welcoming guests from all 4 corners of the planet with their 4 pillar philosphy of Ocean, Mountain, Fynbos, Vineyard - a philosophy which underpins every single cocktail served, including their latest non-alcoholic botanical infusions (a growing trend among the next gen) you are guarenteed to lose yourself for a time and be primed like a blank canvas to absorb the unique, interesting and mesmerizing works of art by Ruby Blankfield's Cape Town based represented artists.

As if that's not enough to entice, you'll most likely be graced by the warm-hearted and kind presence of Kurt Schlechter - who is handsdown hands on, in the business almost daily, himself the visionary founder of CAUSE | EFFECT, a concept that has redefined the cocktail experience. Recognized globally, Kurt was named one of the Top 100 most influential people in the industry by Drinks International Magazine for 5 consecutive years. Kurt is a fierce advocate for potstill brandies and is deeply passionate about delivering exceptional service, spirits & cocktails.
CURRENT EXHIBITION
FEATURED ARTISTS LOGAN WOOLFSON, ERIS SILKE, ROY ZETISKY
- Roy Zetisky, Caracal Poser, 2025
- POURING A PICKLE MARTINI
FEATURING CERAMIC ARTISTS JOHN BAUER AND VAN WESSELS
PORCELAIN AND CLAY MEET BOTANICAL INFUSIONS AND COCKTAILS
"PAINTING FOR ME, IS LIKE LYING IN THE SUN." - ERIS SILKE
ARTIST FEATURE, ERIS SILKE Acrylic on canvas
A MIXOLOGY OF MEDIUMS
A COCKTAIL OF CLAY, PORCELAIN, PHOTOGRAPHY, ACRYLIC PAINT AND RUBIK'S CUBES
DENISE'S DELIGHTS
OUR SEA POINT GALLERY

'GLOVES OFF', OUR FIRST EXHIBITION AT DENISE'S DELIGHTS
A CELEBRATION OF 47 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN ARTISTS ERIS SILKE AND CHRISTOPHER PETER
It's been an honour and a privilege to install an art gallery inside the beautiful premises of the iconic Sea Point bakery: Denise's Delights.

Home to the mother of all cupcakes, Denise's Delights is an Atlantic Seaboard institution since 1989. Their signature cupcakes, cakes and savoury delights have been gracing the tables of birthdays for decades.

Denise herself is something of a local legend. The connection between Denise's Delights and Ruby Blankfield runs deep. It's a family affair, a mama and daughter combo and it's cooking up a cosy, experiential art and cake oasis in the heart of Sea Point.

Our first exhibition featured the pencil crayon and collage works of Christopher Peter and the gobsmackingly alluring, heavily intricate acrylic on canvas paintings by Eris Silke, all set amidst mountain peaks of edible sprinkles, the aroma of baking with real butter, slices of rainbow cake and armies of perfectly iced cupcakes.

Our upcoming art exhibtion opening this May 2026 features Max Wolpe and Freya Wissema in a new show titled 'Burlesque'. Watch this space!
DENISE'S DELIGHTS MEETS RUBY BLANKFIELD IN A FAMILY AFFAIR
PINK FREUD
- CUPCAKES IN THEIR CASES