(Claudine Alexander of Premier
Foods with the Nyala artpiece that kickstarted the collaboration)
Music might be the food of love but an art
exhibition in Durban will help nourish, feed and bring about social change. For
the first time, a collaboration between a well-known mixed-media artist and a maize
meal brand will support the community at grassroots level through feeding
schemes and a sewing project.
Artist,
Marian Immerman, was invited by the Umcebo Trust to participate in the Intellectual Property exhibition
currently running at the KZNSA Art Gallery. Immerman
is one of a select group of artists who is exhibiting work that has a strong
eco, recycling or social message.
“For
years I have been passionate about what I refer to as the three ‘Rs’ –
Renaissance, Rebirth and Restoration - which all talk to taking something old,
breathing new life into it to make it new and thus continuing the circle of
life, while restoring dignity and respect,” says Immerman. “The piece I am
showcasing embraces animal conservation and I have used different mediums, such
as fabrics and recycled items, to create a statement piece under the heading
‘Art with a Purpose – Cyclical Journeys’.
She goes
on to explain: “The focal point of my multi-faceted piece is the metal armature
Nyala, a spiral horned antelope native to Southern Africa, mounted on a
dartboard and woven with fabric off cuts, earrings, buttons and belts. The
message: there are two kinds of players, those who play the game fairly and
those who don’t.”
The
Nyala is also the proud logo of a maize meal brand that goes back more than
half a century. Milled specifically for Kwa-Zulu Natal, it is enriched with
vitamins and minerals and is a firm favourite and a staple in many homes.
“Through
my art pieces I have also tried to make a difference to disadvantaged
communities in rural areas and so, by using the Nyala, I have co-opted the
support of Premier to donate Nyala Super Maize Meal to three projects in the Nsimbini
area,” says Immerman.
Around
25% of the 20,000 population in Nsimbini are orphans and one of their greatest
needs is food security. Via the auspices of ‘A Centre That Serves’ (ACTS) three
deserving projects in the rural area of the KZN South Coast were identified and
will receive 30 x 12.5kg bags of Nyala Super Maize Meal to help provide meals
for community members. The beneficiaries are: The Khaya Langa Pre-School
Feeding, The Nsimbini Community Centre Feeding Project and the Igugu La Bantu
Sewing Project.
“Growing
Together is Premier’s mantra,” says Brand Manager, Peane Maponyane of Premier,
“and we are happy to be working with ACTS and Marian Immerman to help feed
those in need. We know our maize meal might be one of the humblest of breakfast
porridges but it is an integral part of meal times every day and offers a balanced,
nutritious meal that is rich in vitamins, iron, potassium and magnesium. We
hope that in some small way our contribution will help enable those in the
Nsimbini community to break out from the cycle of poverty.”
‘Intellectual Property runs until August
15 at the KZNSA Gallery at 166
Bulwer Road, Glenwood, in Durban. More information on 031 277 1703, fax 031 201
8051 or cell 082 220 0368 or visit www.kznsagallery.co.za
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