IBI Art Gallery, participating for the very first time in the Contemporary Istanbul art fair, presents Cathy Abraham with ‘The Fallen Sparks of Tohu’.

On display from September 28th until October 1st, the fair, held in Istanbul’s historic district, features 75 galleries from 22 countries, including Europe, the Middle East, South America, Africa, East Asia, and the USA.

Cathy Abraham, born in 1968 in Cape Town, South Africa, is an artist who gained an MFA degree in 2018. Her art explores repetitive actions, using them as ‘ghosts’ to symbolize trauma and memory. Abraham’s meticulous counting and categorization of these ‘ghosts’ are inspired by the principles of the Kabbalah, reflecting the recurring patterns that shape our lives.

In ‘The Fallen Sparks of Tohu’, the artist uses Kabbalistic interpretations of numbers in her paintings for meditation, focusing on spiritual themes like unity, duality, and time and imperfection. She incorporates breath as a physical presence, highlighting the connection between mind and body. The work explores the relationship between real and symbolic weight, memory, and imagination.

Furthermore, the number nine is particularly significant, symbolizing a cycle of life and artistic expression. The artist seeks to resonate with deeper truths and explore a metaphysical dimension rooted in the abstraction of numbers.

IBI Art gallery, established in 2007, offers a platform for artists to showcase their work to audiences in South Africa and abroad. Since Covid, the gallery has successfully exhibited artists on larger art shows in South Africa, attracting passionate art enthusiasts worldwide. IBI Art gallery collaborates closely with artists to understand their vision and expression, presenting immersive experiences.

Contemporary Istanbul, established in 2006, is a leading art fair in Istanbul, connecting artists, galleries, and collectors worldwide, showcasing exceptional contemporary art and advancing new ideas.

Source: Contemporary Istanbul and press release.