'Re-Stitching Culture' exhibitions are held in South Africa in 2018

‘Re-Stitching Culture’ - reclaiming traditional practice, health and well-being, through storytelling with threads, textiles and glass beads.

Doll-making plays an intrinsic role in many indigenous cultures across the world including communities in Australia, Canada and South Africa. In all three of these cultures doll-making represents a transfer of indigenous knowledge and culture, the building of capacity, and the proud reclaiming of identity, on both a local and a collective level. The benefits of these outcomes are important in safe guarding health and well being in indigenous communities.

Through the revitalisation of such culturally generated behaviours and activities, the three projects represented in this exhibition showcase effective ways to move forward from the pain, uncertainly, and taboos experienced by indigenous communities. Together, the three projects transmit clear messages of encouragement, to continue to work collaboratively, in order to build a healthier future for subsequent generations.

The three doll genres being exhibited in South Africa are the South African Siyazama dolls, Australian Aboriginal dolls, together with First Nation Canadian dolls. In South Africa, the two exhibition are being held, funded through the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC). The first is at the Stellenbosch University Museum (SUM) from 22 June - 13 July 2018. The official opening is on the 27th June at 6:30pm, and this will be led by Prof. Marsha MacDowel of  Michigan State University Museum, USA.  The second exhibition coincides with Women's Month, and will be held at the KZNSA Gallery, in Durban. The dates are from 23 July - 12 August 2018. The official opening is on the 24th July at 6:30pm, and this will be led by Emeritus Prof. Ian Sutherland.

'Re-Stitching Culture' - Australia 2017/18

Siyazama dolls join their sister dolls in Australia and Canada 2017-2019

The poster above is quick sneak preview of the 'work in progress' poster, for the SA 2018 exhibitions, designed by Graham Ray Wiles. He is a very talented graduate DUT Graphic Design BTech student, who also designed the front page of this BLOG. Look at all those logo's!