UMCEBO IN GLENWOOD

Umcebo Design has relocated into an airy multi-purpose studio space. (Article by Illa Thompson, courtesy of The Independent on Saturday)

A new kid has joined the creative Glenwood block and has cleverly snuggled in across the road from the landmark KZNSA Gallery. Robin Opperman and his Umcebo Design have relocated into an airy multi-purpose studio space at 171 Bulwer Road.

The studio is buzzing with activity – quite literally, as one of the projects on the go involves creating a family of yellow and black larger-than-life beaded bees!

Opperman is one of the most tenacious, visionary, thoughtful and creative art makers in the city. Known for his innovative use of recycled and found objects in his large statement art works, he is constantly re-inventing himself and his approach to his work.

Since May 2003, Opperman ran the hugely successful Umcebo Trust – which for a time was housed at ArtSpace, and subsequently at uShaka. It was a business-focused NPO and created employment opportunities for marginalised artists.

2011 was a year of reconfiguring his approach to his work, the outcome of which is that Umcebo Design was born out of the Trust. The studio has allowed Opperman to become something of “a Naked Artist” (with reference to Jamie Oliver’s Naked Chef). He has pared down his operation totally which frees up Opperman to choose separate partners, art makers and associates to best suit each project.

This concept has opened the creative floodgates and sees Opperman working with the refugee community at the Diakonia Centre every Wednesday; it sees him making beautiful art with colleague and creative partner, Ujala “Jackie” Sewpersad in his studio; while teaching art students through the DUT work integrated learning programme; while being able to work on ambitious projects such as his partnership with the fabulous Ukhamba crafters from Hammarsdale – all simultaneously!

Clearly Opperman is delighted with the outcome. He has found the shift to be liberating, hugely effective, more challenging and artistically satisfying. He is also working on craft projects with the local Zimbabwe community – working with animal motives which are hugely powerful and significant images for the crafters.

Opperman has an affinity with social justice NGOs and is available to assist them with creative processes and team building. He recently worked with the staff of Black Sash to jointly make a creative rendering of their logo as a wall banner.

Opperman and Sewpersad are gearing up to have a presence at the Cape Town Design Indaba. And in-between times, they are always creating statement art works - beautiful enough to take your breath away!

Umcebo Design welcomes visitors by appointment. The studio is in 171 Bulwer Road opposite the KZNSA Gallery. Opperman can also be contacted on 083 7933408; email: robin@umcebodesign.co.za; Facebook Profile: Umcebo Trust (Robin Opperman) / Facebook Fanpage: Umcebo Design – Illa Thompson