Fiberworks - A Celebration of South African
Fiber and Textile Artists

Title: Woman's Eye

Description: The small decorative items made by women are not only beautiful, but carry messages from the past into the present. They remind us of our earliest memories and the interaction of our cultures through trading. Anthropologists and archaeologists study the design and techniques used in the work to help understand different human traditions and behaviour.

In my work, ‘Woman’s Eye’, the eye is surrounded by rainbow colours. These rays also look like sunrays which extend in all directions. This means women are extending their skills to all generations, to all cultures. The work shows various textile techniques - beadwork, weaving and embroidery – that have their roots in European, Phoenician and African traditions.

I salute women involved in textile craft: they change non-valuable materials into a valuable heritage.

I have studied Textile Design and have a Post Graduate Diploma in Museum and Heritage Studies. I am currently studying Archaeology through UNISA. I was an education officer at the Durban Art Gallery, now work for the local history Museum.

Title: Friendship through Creativity

Description: Women share not only skills and knowledge but they also share problems and experiences in order to prepare them for their future with their families, work place and society.

You strike a woman
You strike the rock.

Title: Bonke Siyabakhumbula

Description: This grave is a symbol for all those who died of Aids, accidents and war.

We remember them.

We have to understand and respect human rights and must deal with social problems in order to build a safe environment for all. We have to fight diseases and curb unnecessary violence.

Title: Fragility, Creativity in Women's hands

Description: and in Women's Minds

Phumzile Dlamini