African Queen Scarf - Lalela Scarf

During the July holiday in 2017, Lakeland brought 35 learners from different high schools together for a special project at City Varsity, Cape Town. Artists Judy Paulsen, Tony Gum, Juan Stockenstroom and special effects makeup artist Lisa Wakelin gave the students workshops developing their technical and conceptual skills. The artwork looked at breaking down stereotypes to create a true visual representation of their own authentic experience of being South African.

The teams also learnt how to write artists statements that put their artwork into context. Keisha, 16, would like to pursue a fashion career. Yanga, 18, is a leader at Lalela and in the community, with a passion for business and entrepreneurship. Roxie’s passions are art and sport, she is 15 years old.

Details

• 80% Wool, 65% Cotton, 35% Silk

• 39 in. x 78 in.  |  100 cm x 200 cm

How your purchase gives back: Proceeds from your purchase fund Lalela, providing arts-education for at-risk youth to spark creative thinking and awaken the entrepreneurial spirit The South African word “Ubuntu” can be translated as “unity through diversity.” In Lalela’s Rainbow Nation curriculum. 

Together, the students explored their own heritage while learning more about the different cultures of their classmates and friends. After sharing their traditions, rituals, beliefs and cultural practices with each other, they drew a person in clothing and accessories that represent their culture. The artists then cut their drawings into sections and exchanged them with one another. They used the different sections to construct a new person, made up of a mixture of cultures. During this process, the artists recognized that even though we belong to different cultures, we are all part of the same human race.