amasiko wokuzihlanza: inguquko

amasiko wokuzihlanza:

inguquko, 2020

embossing on pillowcase

51 x 56 cm

Translates to rituals of cleansing: transition

The work consists of a sculptural bathing basin. The basin was molded with green bar soap, using water and the twirling of the bar soap with hands to soften it and shape it.

The work addresses notions of cultural displacement and impurity  – with a specific focus on identity, feelings of apathy and guilt  and rituals. Identity, particularly black identity, in post-colonial South Africa is undergoing reconstruction due to the country’s political history. Contact with other Western cultures influences the reconstruction of identity, and in the artist’s case become part day-to-day practices, rituals and communication. However, boding aspects of English or Western principles can and has initiated feelings of guilt that suggest that there is a loss of isiZulu heritage. As a result, the artist engages in cleansing ritual to get rid of feelings of displacement.

The basin is symbolic of cleansing. The green bar soap and cleansing makes reference to the practice of washing hands after visiting a grave site in the isiZulu culture. This is important to the series as notions of displacement and apathy have emphasised loss. The ritual of cleansing with a green bar soap becomes associated by freedom and a sense of renewal.