PRESS RELEASE
WARREN MAROON | THE HANDSHAKE'S NOT WORTH THE GRIP
Mar 11 – Apr 11, 2026
WARREN MAROON
The handshake's not worth the grip
11 March - 11 April 2026
Everard Read Cape Town
3 Portswood Rd, V&A Waterfront
Opening Reception: Wednesday, 11 March at 6pm.
‘The handshake’s not worth the grip’ examines the relationship of power through two ordinary objects: a hammer and a nail. One is a function of intent, the other serves as evidence of that.
Warren Maroon drives us to question what makes a tool such as a hammer successful in its action. A bending, sinking, disappearing effect. Its function depends on repetition, a relentless force striking until resistance gives way. The hammer’s authority is only successful to a yielding nail and that nail is only successful if it co-operates in a straight line. Any deviation such as a bend or a twist or a refusal renders the nail ineffective. It is discarded for one that better follows the rules.
Through this mundane exchange a quiet system emerges. One object acts; the other receives. The hammer enforces its will through repetition, through blows so ordinary they become procedural rather than violent.
By isolating these tools from the practical applications, the works on exhibition examine how authority is established and how repetition turns force into structure. The collection of sculptural installations and drawings reflects on the subtle mechanics of human conditioning and how easily the roles of action and submission become embedded within the routine structures we inhabit.
Warren Maroon drives us to question what makes a tool such as a hammer successful in its action. A bending, sinking, disappearing effect. Its function depends on repetition, a relentless force striking until resistance gives way. The hammer’s authority is only successful to a yielding nail and that nail is only successful if it co-operates in a straight line. Any deviation such as a bend or a twist or a refusal renders the nail ineffective. It is discarded for one that better follows the rules.
Through this mundane exchange a quiet system emerges. One object acts; the other receives. The hammer enforces its will through repetition, through blows so ordinary they become procedural rather than violent.
By isolating these tools from the practical applications, the works on exhibition examine how authority is established and how repetition turns force into structure. The collection of sculptural installations and drawings reflects on the subtle mechanics of human conditioning and how easily the roles of action and submission become embedded within the routine structures we inhabit.
EVERARD READ CAPE TOWN - 3 Portswood Road, V&A Waterfront
Cape Town, 8002
South Africa
+27 21 418 4527 | ctgallery@everard.co.za
Operating hours:
Monday - Friday 9:00 - 17:00
Saturday - 9:00 - 13:00
If you are looking to add to your collection and you are unable to make it to our gallery during operating hours, please contact us via ctgallery@everard.co.za to make an appointment outside of these hours.
