UMCEBO AT MOSES MABHIDA

Works at Moses Mabhida Stadium by Umcebo Trust.

The Umcebo Trust situated at uShaka Marine World was approached by curator Carol Brown to put forward two designs for bead and wire sculptures for the new Moses Mabhida Stadium – the works were destined for two areas measuring 10m x 6m each.

“Our designs were approved by Carol and our crafters set to work creating them,” explains Robin Opperman, director of Umcebo Trust. “The final beaded sculptures are now in place adorning the walls of the VIP area on the ocean-facing side of the stadium. This was an extremely prestigious commission for the Trust and we were honoured to have been given the opportunity to contribute artwork for this landmark Durban project. A very big thanks to Carol Brown (Curator), Gabrielle Brown (Co-ordinator) and Cara Maccallum (Co-ordinator).”

To the Sea is a work in beads, wire and copper designed by Robin Opperman and Michael McFadyean and created by crafters Mluleki Madlala, Douglas Chepeta, Siyakudumisa Mavume, Mbongiseni Ntuli, Noxolo Nomvete, Sithabile Madlala and Diane Ching.

“This depicts a shoal of Manta Ray fish swimming,” explains Carol Brown. “The abstracted wire and copper objects suggest the waves. Manta rays are very rarely kept in captivity, primarily due to their size. Only five aquariums in the world display manta rays. One notable example is “Nandi”, a manta ray that was accidentally caught in shark nets off Durban in 2007. Rehabilitated, and outgrowing her aquarium, uShaka Marine World, Nandi moved to the larger Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta in August 2008, where she resides in its “Ocean Voyager” exhibit. The crafters who made this installation are based at uShaka Marine where the manta ray was a popular exhibit and from where they derived this inspiration.”

To the Beach, another work in beads, wire and copper – again designed by Robin Opperman and Michael McFadyean – was produced by crafters Mluleki Madlala, Douglas Chepeta, Siyakudumisa Mavume, Mbongiseni Ntuli, Noxolo Nomvete, Sithabile Madlala and Diane Ching. The wall shows a typical Durban beach scene with its palm trees and lush, sub-tropical foliage.

“The artworks were made by the Umcebo Trust who have made work which has been acknowledged far and wide and is currently featured in collections owned by Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Rita Marley and King Goodwill Zwelethini and others,” explains Carol Brown. “The organisation was originally started to assist skills development among mentally challenged young people and has now extended to include a wider range of crafters. It is based on economic empowerment and self respect through creativity.”

More information on Umcebo on 083 793 3408 or email robin@umcebotrust.co.za or visit www.umcebotrust.co.za