KNOW THY WORTH | 2001 | 2010

The Arabic, 'E'raf Qeematak,' translates as 'Know Thy Worth.'

Exhibition history:

James Webb and Gabby Raaff created an English prototype of this work for the YDETAG exhibition at the Iziko South African National Gallery in 2001. The piece was a painted sign installed at the entrance to the museum.

A note about the text:

The phrase 'Know Thy Worth' is an adaptation of the Greek aphorism 'Know thyself' which adorned the entrance to the Oracle of Delphi. The text has been attributed to a number of Greek sages, particularly Pythagoras. The Oracle of Delphi was the domain of Pythia, a seer and priestess. Visitors seeking the wisdom of Apollo would consult Pythia who would speak from behind a veil. Pythagoras termed this 'akousmatikoi' – the experience of listening without the distraction of visuals; a forerunner of the concept of the 'disembodied voice.'

Medium: Text
Dimensions: Variable
Date: 2001 - 2010