In the vast expanse of artistic expression, there are moments that transcend the ordinary, resonating deeply with the essence of our humanity. Such was my experience when I had the profound opportunity to witness the collaborative brilliance of Shui-Lyn White and Kensiwe Tshabalala at a special occasion, “Intimate Art Encounters”, held in Johannesburg. Their performance piece, “Infinity to the Power of Women’s Touch”, not only captivated my senses but stirred within me a fervent call to acknowledge and celebrate the often-overlooked voices of women in both history and art. With visual screening of the artworks on the wall, Shui-Lyn recites the soul-caressing poetry illustrating them and Kensiwe gives the artworks and poetry rendered her interpretation through her divinely choreographed dance. The ambience is, to quote one of the attendees, uncle Frank Horley – who is an accomplished artist, author and publisher in his own right: SPELLBINDING!
Organised by art connoisseur, Lohini Moodley, “Intimate Art Encounters” dinner series is an enchanting fusion of visual art, poetry, and dance, curated to immerse guests in a multidisciplinary exploration of creativity. Held within the intimate setting of Lohini’s own home, the series offers a unique opportunity for attendees to engage intimately with the arts, fostering a sense of connection and inspiration. Each event is carefully orchestrated to weave together various artistic mediums, captivating guests with the interplay of sight, sound, and emotion. From the striking visuals of curated artworks to the evocative words of poets, and the graceful movements of dancers, the series promises a truly unforgettable experience, leaving guests spellbound and inspired.
The symbolism of infinity encapsulates a profound concept that transcends the limitations of finite existence, representing boundlessness, eternity, and endless potential. At its core, infinity serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things, suggesting that no beginning or end can fully encapsulate the complexity of existence. It speaks to the infinite possibilities that lie within each moment and the ceaseless cycle of creation, destruction, and rebirth that defines the universe. Moreover, infinity symbolises the eternal nature of certain truths and values, enduring beyond the constraints of time and space. In the context of “Infinity to the Power of Women’s Touch”, the symbolism of infinity underscores the enduring impact of women’s contributions throughout history, highlighting their resilience, strength, and unwavering presence in shaping the fabric of society.
*** Photo Credit: Christiaan Diedericks ***
The inception of this transformative project stemmed from a simple yet profound question about the role of women within the art world. What ensued was a journey of exploration into the forgotten contributions of women throughout history, particularly within the rich tapestry of South African heritage. Through a meticulous collaboration with visual artist Photo is by Christiaan Diedericks and Shui-Lyn embarked on a mission to pay homage to eight extraordinary South African women whose narratives had long been relegated to the shadows of history.
The eight women celebrated are such luminaries as Dulcie September, Lilian Ngoyi, Jean Sinclair, Cissie Gool, Charlotte Mannye-Maxeke, Kesaveloo Goonam, Victoria Mxenge and Alice Victoria Kinloch.
What emerged was a mesmerising amalgamation of visual art, poetry, and dance – an intricate tapestry of creativity that transcended the boundaries of conventional storytelling. As Kensiwe shared her personal odyssey into the realm of dance and performance, it became apparent that their collaboration was more than just a showcase of talent; it was a testament to the transformative power of artistic expression in illuminating the silenced narratives of the past.
Indeed, the impact of “Infinity to the Power of Women’s Touch” extends far beyond the confines of a mere performance – it serves as a poignant reminder of the imperative of inclusivity within our historical discourse and cultural representations. As aptly articulated by Shui-Lyn, the erasure of women’s voices from our collective narratives not only diminishes our shared humanity but also deprives us of the richness inherent within our collective experiences.
In a world where the voices of women and marginalised communities continue to be marginalised, endeavours such as this offer a beacon of hope – a promise of visibility and recognition for those whose stories have been relegated to the periphery. It is a clarion call for all of us to challenge the dominant narratives that have been handed down to us and to actively seek out and amplify the voices that have long been silenced.
As we reflect on the profound significance of “Infinity to the Power of Women’s Touch” and the broader movement it represents, let us heed the poignant words of Shui-Lyn and Kensiwe. Let us interrogate the narratives we have been fed, question whose voices have been omitted, and work collectively towards a future where all voices are not only heard but cherished, valued, and celebrated.
To Shui-Lyn and Kensiwe, and to all those who dare to challenge the status quo and elevate marginalised voices, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your artistic brilliance and unwavering advocacy inspire us to strive for a world that is more equitable, inclusive, and just – one where the stories of all women, past and present, are honoured, remembered, and celebrated.
Before closing, let me share with you my interview with Dr Roche Mamabolo who walked with me this journey into entrepreneurship – berserk with challenges and opportunities. Click below to watch an almost one-hour-long interview:
Let me end with the good news from the UK-based company, MEA Markets, of Brandhill Africa having being nominated for the “African Excellence Awards”. This for us means our humble efforts in rewriting the narrative on Africa by re-engineering its brand is acknowledged not only across the continent but globally too. This comes as a cherry on top of our previous acknowledgements such as the “Business Excellence Award 2022” from the World Confederation of Businesses; “Brand Leadership Award 2020” by the World Brand Congress; and my multiyear nomination as “The World CEO of the Year” by The World’s CEO Rankings Board two weeks ago; 2022 (ranked 16 globally and 2nd highest in Africa); and 2021.
Tujenge Afrika Pamoja! Let’s Build Africa Together.
Enjoy your weekend.
Saul Molobi (FCIM)
PUBLISHER: JAMBO AFRICA ONLINE
and
Group Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
Brandhill Africa™
Tel: +27 11 483 1019
Mobile: +27 83 635 7773
eMail: saul.molobi@brandhillafrica.com
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