Sharing his unique spirituality in his art, Cape Town author, artist and photographer Marc Hoberman has put together an exhibition of his works at the Kaplan Centre at the University of Cape Town. Titled The Radiant Portal, the artworks showcase Marc’s unique perspective and style of ‘Jewish Magical Realism’.
At the opening of the exhibition in early September, campus Rabbi, Rabbi Nissen Goldman, revealed that Marc’s conversations with him about particular religious matters often help him, as a Rabbi, conceptualise things in a more realistic way. “Often, we will discuss something that appears to me to be theory, but Marc explains it in such a way that it becomes an actual experience. His understanding invariably enlivens the text for me.”
As regards his deep connection with his Jewish religion, Marc refers to a significant feature of our religion, namely the importance of discussion and debate. As he explains, “The reader of Jewish texts does not simply read words printed on the page – the reader is an active player on the page and with the page – a vocal participant in the conversation.”
Hoberman is well-known for exhibitions that go far beyond simply hanging artworks with a few descriptions. Marc has transformed the Kaplan Centre into a fully immersive experience – with everything from custom wallpapers and bespoke furniture, to videos, historic sketchbooks and walls filled with hand-crafted text that give deep (and surprisingly accessible) insights into his work and unusual angles for thought, discussion and quiet meditation.
From publishing his first book at the very young age of 12 to founding a world-renowned coffee table publishing house, HOBERMAN, with his late father, Marc has been involved in numerous interesting projects. He has achieved significant successes during his career, including having some of his photographic work selected by leading publications like National Geographic, Vanity Fair, and Vogue. He has also been selected as the Official Photographer for Her Majesty the Queen’s Royal Palaces, and the British Academy of Film in the UK (BAFTA).
The exhibition is open to the public, and will be on display for the rest of this year and into 2026. ●
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