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Monday, April 30, 2018

THE NAKED HEART CHANDELIER


With funding from the National Lotteries Commission and the National Arts Council, the African Art Centre and Umcebo Design are exhibiting their first joint art piece, The Naked Heart Chandelier.

The process involved construction of a glass bead, copper wire and crystal chandelier structure by Umcebo Design followed by workshops with telephone wire weavers and beaders from the African Art Centre to produce component pieces for the chandelier.

The concept was to define, refine and pool individual strengths through a collaborative process and the resultant final product will be sold as an art collectable. Umcebo Design was represented by Robin Opperman, Ujala Sewpersad and Samuel Gwezva and the team from the African Art Centre comprised Thanda Mathe, Phumlani Mbhele, Nqobile Jeza, Nomusa Bizela, Constance Ngubane, Dumeleni Mkhize, Bukisiwe Mkhize, Samkelisiwe and Nokwazi Sithole.

This project has particular value and relevance for survival and sustainability in the creative world of 2018. Collaboration is a valuable key to growing and remaining successful in the highly competitive commercial environment of today. Artists drawing on the expertise and skills of each other, reaching across disciplines, genres and techniques, have the potential to materialize new forms of art and new ways of working.

Production took place during February, March and April, 2018, and will culminate in an exhibition opening on May 3, 2018, where the contemporary lighting art piece will go on sale. This exhibition will coincide with the Station Drive Precinct’s First Thursday programme.

For more details contact Robin Opperman, Umcebo Design on 083 7933 408 or Magdalene Reddy, African Art Centre, on 031 303 4634.