Now showing at 196 Victoria Gallery, Karen Rootenberg’s new solo exhibition sets itself apart from prevailing contemporary trends through its originality of concept and expression. The paintings present a confident, personal visual language that feels independent of the current art landscape, offering work that is both distinctive and self-assured. Here’s everything you need to know.

A New Evocative Painting Exhibition
Karen Rootenberg’s art is both intellectually engaging and emotionally charged. Her distinctive visual language moves beyond the conventional, inviting viewers into a space that feels suspended between inner and outer worlds. Rather than presenting straightforward imagery, she creates work that encourages reflection and personal interpretation.
Her bold colour choices and dynamic compositions heighten this effect, evoking the sensation of standing at the edge of different realities. Symbolism and expressive imagery are central to her practice, allowing her to translate abstract emotions and spiritual ideas into tangible form. Through this layered approach, she explores themes of identity, consciousness and the soul’s place within a complex, shifting world.
The exhibition opens on 12 February 2026, and is open until 26 February 2026.

More Information
When: 12 – 26 February 2026
Where: 196 Victoria Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town
Website: karenrootenberg.co.za














