14.01.23 - 01.02.23
Solo Exhibition at
Kalashnikovv Gallery,
Johannesburg

Artist Statment

Sibona futhi sizwe ngezinhliziyo zethu

ngamunye ngamunye sikhanyisa esigcawini

isandla nonyawo okweluliwe ekupheni

ukuvala okokuphumula nje

amehlo avulekile avuleke avale

kodwa ukukhanya ku sewukuqonda

Qoqa umhlambi wakho uzungeze

Kukhona isikhala emakhazeni othingo


We see and hear with our hearts

One by one we shed light in the hexahedron

A hand and foot are stretched out in display

Closure is just for recline

Wide eyes are opened and shut

But the light is still in sight

Gather your flock and come around

there is space from the sanctuary of the rainbow

My work looks at how stories validate female agency and are restorative and empowered by the African womxn’s psyche by highlighting them in folktales that illustrate the liberated and disruptive potential of female power, resilience, wisdom and agency. Showing how the wisdom of folklore intersects with myth, fantasy, and social history to instigate social change and egalitarian relations whilst celebrating the womxn of Africa as key protagonists. Both in their power and in their humanity. My work incorporates ibomvu (red clay) with acrylic paints to honour the beauty of my characters as it was and still is a form of beautification practiced by African womxn. These works are inspired by the matriarchal gaze of African folktales/literature and traditional storytelling where womxn controlled societal views of what is expected of them. Growing up, I had the privilege of being surrounded by grandmothers that believed in enforcing values of radical equality between girls and boys. Their narratives would always have a female protagonist and were passed down through oral storytelling and entertaine us. It was and still is integral to us remaining united and having a sense of belonging within the realms of our ancestors.