CapeTownMagazine.com

See the Timekeepers in an online exhibition by prolific ...

For Moments of Joy. Follow our social channels
for useful news, daily local champions
 
072 350 2062
Ideas Cartel, The Old Foundry, 1 Sand Hill Road, Green Point
www.capetownmagazine.com/subscribe
now@capetownmagazine.com
CapeTownMag
CapeTownMagazine.com
capetownmag

See the Timekeepers in an online exhibition by prolific painter Norman O’Flynn

The masked portraits are a reflection of what is happening now

Norman O’Flynn’s Timekeeper portraits incorporate his trademark pop iconography, graffiti-like slogans, superheroes and religious symbols tattooed across the bodies of masked figures, which are elevated by vibrant backgrounds.

You can see them at Cape Town’s WORLDART gallery, which is hosting an online exhibition entitled The Image In the Mirror, which features a selection of the Cape Town painter and sculptor's powerful Timekeeper portraits (2016-2019). 

'See the Timekeepers in an online exhibition by prolific painter Norman O’Flynn - 2025'

PORTRAITS THAT HOLD A MIRROR UP TO HUMANITY
“Norman O’Flynn painted the first Timekeeper portrait in 2015 as a reflection of society right now, in other words, it was a reflection of our time,” says gallery owner Charl Bezuidenhout. “He soon realised these images and slogans had less to do with the subject in the portrait than it had with the world in which they live. And so, he called them timekeepers”.

The figures are based mostly on real-life people encountered by O’Flynn. Several portraits include sharks circling above us and bombs falling from the sky. Another has the phrase “mother should I trust the government”.

“I realised that what came out was just me observing the glitch,” says O’Flynn. “I wasn’t trying to tell anyone what to do or what I think. I just showed them what I saw.” 

'See the Timekeepers in an online exhibition by prolific painter Norman O’Flynn - 2025'

MASKS TO PROTECT US FROM OURSELVES
The artist explains that the masks all the figures are wearing represent a filter protecting us “from what we take in and what we release, germs, words – all of it”. “We are also really busy sharing our opinions, especially on social media platforms, but do we actually make a contribution?” says O’Flynn. 

“Or is the truth that we are saying nothing because we’re too busy saying the things that we think will gain us credibility and help us look cool? So I covered the mouths,” he adds.

'See the Timekeepers in an online exhibition by prolific painter Norman O’Flynn - 2025'

VIEW THE ONLINE EXHIBITION
These portraits are all available as limited edition prints and can be viewed and purchased on the WORLDART website.

---


Find out what’s happening this weekend.

Check out these most Instagrammable places in Cape Town.

Galleries are re-opening their doors for First Thursdays.

---

Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of what’s happening in the city, suburbs and dorpies. Join our newsletter and add us to your mobile home screen for the ultimate guide to discoveries in Cape Town.

Follow and like us on TwitterFacebookLinkedInInstagramPinterest for updates.

Cape Town Events Calendar
July 2025
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31

HintHunt escape roomHintHunt escape rooms for epic ...

6 immersive themes, one being the best in Africa

Harrington Street East City Sessions Thursday nights at East City's ...

From jazz to rock to techno and Funk First Thursdays

Knysna Oyster Festival 2025 Everything you need to know about the ...

It’s about more than oysters, with 80+ events over 10 days

Plett Ocean festival 2025All you need to know about the Plett ...

Unpacked: Events, must-try activities and where to stay & eat

PT2The hidden seaside bistro on the ...

Inventive small plates best explored with a wine pairing

Char'd tasting 2025Rum, brandy & gin tastings with your ...

Unusual cuts prepped in-house and a curious gin atomiser

Milk on the Beach 2025Reasons to visit this beach-side family ...

DIY waffles, loaded hotdogs, poke bowls, right on the beach

Woodstock BreweryBrewery with food specials (almost) ...

Daily specials on comfort meals like burgers and schnitzels

LMTF Mandela and WinnieMeet 100 bronze life-size figures at ...

From famous heroes like Mandela to forgotten ones like Autshumato

HintHunt AfricaGet over the midweek hump with a ...

Easy spot for team building, midweek date night, & more

shimansky rockwell 6Shimansky Diamond Experience at The ...

The diamond showroom where you can polish your own stone

Only Specials CaféThe café creating space for ...

It’s hidden in Hermanus. Here’s how to find it

GiveawaysTravel Tips