(Prototyping
workshop with designer Sadie Bosworth & the African Art Centre beaders)
5 X 5 Design presents a
collaborative artistic process between local creatives and African Art Centre
crafters.
In December 2017, the African Art Centre invited five Durban creatives
to workshop ideas, designs and products with about 35 beaders and telephone
wire weavers. Over the last two and a
half months each creative produced five designs which were workshopped with the
crafters to produce 25 new contemporary African jewellery pieces.
The creatives: Edgar Sithole, Jane Linley-Thomas, Nikhil and Nindya
Tricam, Sadie Bosworth and Ziningi Zulu are proudly Durban artists representing
a diverse array of cultures, artistic backgrounds and specialties.
“The inspiration behind the 5 X 5
Design is to introduce a young fresh perspective on African contemporary
art. One of the aims of the African Art Centre is to preserve our culture but
culture is not static, it is dynamic and fluid, according to ever-shifting
contexts and interpretations. With this in mind, it is an important aim for us
to reflect contemporary Africa amongst the Centre’s offerings. The tradition of
beading and weaving are strong traditional parts of our culture, and using
these elements we have incorporated a varied design approach to present a
contemporary look. Every piece created is not just jewellery but art, African
art in our present day,” says Magdalene Reddy, Director of the African Art
Centre.
The public can enjoy works produced by Alexia Mkhize, Angess Mthembu,
Badelisile Mbatha, Bhekinkosi Nkwanyana, Busisiwe Mayise, Dumsile Mathe, Eunice
Majola, Happiness Dladla, Ignatia Bhengu, Jabu Gcaba, Jabulani Mkhize, Lindiwe
Maphanga, Maca Majola, Maningi Mbonambi, Mbaliyethu Mabuza, Nelisiwe Kleinbooi,
Nobuhle Maphumulo, Nokuthula Gwala, Nomusa Biyela, Nonhlanhla Mbatha, Nqobile
Jeza, Ntombi Mbambo, Ntombifuthi Maphumulo, Ntombizonke Hlambisa, Phumlani
Mbhele, Phumzile Shozi, Roslinhah Khanyile, Scelo Mhlongo, Sizani Mkhize,
Thembeka Methembu, Thembinkosi Maphumulo, Tholani Mchunu, Zenzomuhle Mbhele,
and Zinhle Ngcobo.
The 5 x 5 Design will be
launched at the African Art Centre on March 1 at 18h00 as part of Station
Drive’s First Thursdays activation. The exhibition is funded by the National
Lotteries Commission and the National Arts Council of South Africa.
For more details contact the African Art Centre at 15 Station Drive in
Durban on 031 312 3804/5, email africanartcentre@afri-art.co.za or go to www.afriart.org.za
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