Created By
Fumani Maluleke
Acrylic on reed mat (Framed and mounted)
Curator
Luke Chapman
Maluleke's "Kokwani na Ntukulu" masterfully intertwines the tactile with the timeless, as the grass mat's woven fibers become both canvas and conduit for ancestral narratives. The juxtaposition of subdued earth tones and vivid accents within the agricultural tableau evokes a visual symphony of labor and lineage. Through deft brushwork and symbolic imagery, Maluleke beckons viewers to ponder the cyclical dance of tradition and innovation, inviting us to contemplate the weight of heritage carried by each thread of this intricate tapestry. In this harmonious composition, the artist's reverence for his rural roots resonates, underscoring the enduring dialogue between past, present, and the eternal wisdom of interconnected generations.
Kokwani na Ntukulu (Grandmother and Grandchild) is a poignant exploration of generational connection and cultural heritage. Painted on a grass mat—a medium deeply rooted in South African tradition—the piece weaves together acrylics with the natural fibers of the mat, creating a dialogue between the ephemeral and the enduring. The scene unfolds in muted earth tones, punctuated by vibrant hues, depicting figures engaged in agricultural labor amidst a sprawling landscape. The mat, that would be a resting place for bodies, now cradles the weight of narrative and memory, transforming into a visual tapestry where past and present converse. Maluleke’s choice of medium anchors the work in his rural upbringing, while the imagery invites viewers to reflect on the cyclical nature of life and wisdom passed through generations.
Created By
Fumani Maluleke
110 x 130 cm | 43 x 51 in
2025
