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Thread by Thread – Weaving a Pan-African Narrative Through Visual Arts

Writer: Tonderai Chiyindiko | Photographs: Slovo Mamphaga

Conceptualized and curated by young, up-and-coming curator, visual artist, and creative entrepreneur Ivy Rihlampfu, the Thread by Thread Trio Exhibition – South Africa Meets Senegal took place in May 2024, during “Africa Month,” when the continent of Africa commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the predecessor to the current African Union.

The exhibition featured works by three artists: multidisciplinary artist Khadim Bamba from Senegal, whose work “incorporates textiles in assemblages of fabrics, painting, and sewing,” and two South African artists, Lerato Motau, whose work incorporates fabrics and embroidery, and Nikiwe Dlova, widely known for her sculptural headpieces, which incorporate embroidery, synthetic hairpieces, and wool.

Exhibitions like this, which intentionally include African artists from different countries, are rare and few and far between. Thus, Rihlampfu’s vision and tenacity in handling the logistical challenges of such an undertaking deserve recognition, as it speaks to her bold and unapologetic Pan-African outlook.

For Senegalese artist Khadim Bamba, who unfortunately could not attend the exhibition, participation in this initiative was a dream come true. Given that the theme focused on how weaving brings different elements together, he felt it was fitting to be part of such an initiative:

“The title (Thread by Thread) also calls for the weaving that can be created between different countries and brought together through art and culture,” says Bamba.

For Nikiwe Dlova, the exhibition resonated with how her work has evolved in terms of the different mediums she uses and with the larger vision of how African identities are expressed through art:

“…it means a lot because it shows how we’re preserving African textile art using different threading techniques in current times. I hope this will inspire people to appreciate the craftsmanship and the patience that goes into the practice. I’m also excited to showcase among talented artists from Senegal and South Africa, as we share a common thread of capturing African narratives through different textures that somehow link to our identity,” says Dlova.

For Lerato Motau, the Thread by Thread exhibition was a platform for her work to be displayed alongside other artists who work in similar mediums, and a chance to celebrate African artistry:

“…as I am a fiber textile artist and…within my work, each stitch tells a journey… (it was) a great honor to celebrate Africa Month (where) two African countries (were) in one room celebrating Africa Month and using similar mediums to do so,” says Motau.

The Thread by Thread exhibition demonstrated what is possible: African visual artists working in different mediums are all telling stories of the continent and highlighting the creativity and vibrancy of African creatives across imposed and inherited colonial borders.

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