(“Sunbirds” by Philemon
Sangweni)
South Africa has a thriving cultural heritage of wire and
wood art.
Phansi Museum’s latest exhibition titled Wire and Wood highlights a selection of work
drawn from the Permanent Collection of the Phansi Museum and items loaned from
friends of the Museum. Artists include
Philemon Sangweni, Julius Mfete, Raphael Magwaza, Carl Roberts, Noria Mabasa,
Johannes Maswangani, Sibusiso Maphumulo, Zamukwake, Gumede and wire work from
Thapiwa Musani, Thulani Mchunu, Ntombifuthi Magwaza, Elliot Mkhize and a
special collection or wirework on loan from Zenzulu.
The exhibition, which includes work dating back to the
1900’s, offers an expanded view of Southern Africa’s dynamic wood and wire work
and questions the dominant narratives of both genres in terms of place, people,
culture and object. Through the careful selection of wooden sculptures, carved
stools, mat-racks, milk pails, walking sticks and headrests, woven baskets and
bowls and wire toys created in diverse approaches and mediums, the exhibition
introduces the public to the region’s dynamic wire and wood art making
traditions.
Illustrating diverse styles and mediums from southern
Africa, the exhibition interrogates the actual production of the object against
the initial use or purpose of the object. Early examples of wood carving and
wire work illustrates that the essential intention of the production of the
artefact was for utilitarian or practical purposes or for symbolic value,
crucial to communal practices and beliefs of the community. Fortunately,
current leanings and trends recognize the absurdity of overlooking these works
of art from the annals of art.
Wood as a medium brings endless potential with its inherent
natural grain, form and rawness. The works on display are crafted from
different types of wood sourced by the artists from their respective immediate
environments. Some sculptures are painted and others incorporate found objects
and they all address a diversity of themes that engage with the recent and
distant past as well as the contemporary present.
It is said that wire art is characteristically Southern African.
However, it would appear that the history is hidden in the undocumented past. Whilst
some researchers say that wire art originates in Zimbabwe and Zambia, others
believe that the origin lies in South Africa.
The art of making telephone wire baskets is an indigenous
South African art form, which evolved from the extraordinary basket weaving
skills of the Zulu nation. First started by night-watchmen who whiled away the
long nights weaving telephone wire, these early pieces are highly collectible.
The exhibition includes objects of this fine art in the form of baskets,
sticks, bowls and utilitarian objects.
Highlights of the exhibition include a selection of
telephone wire baskets from Zenzulu, a design led business, renowned for the
fusion of contemporary design with traditional skills and the creation of
innovative, premium quality handmade South African products, initiated by
designer Marisa Fick-Jordaan and a life sized wire Harley Davidson motor bike
created by artist Thapiwa Musani.
Wire and Wood runs
until September 25. Phansi Museum is
situated at 500 Esther Roberts Road. Glenwood in Durban. Contact Sharon Crampton on 031 206 2889 or
email admin@phansi.com or visit www.phansi.com
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