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.
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