Untitled

In its depictions of rural scenes and dreamlike African COSMOLOGIES, Sebidi’s art illustrates a pre-Christian and pre-colonial Africa. In this work, one of her more imposing pieces, the eye is drawn into the act of supplication in the centre of the three-part structure.

This mythical tableau is notable for the MATRIARCHAL – or at least female – nature of most of its characters, and its suggestion of women’s spiritual and ritual power. The musicians in the right panel, and the small illustrations of ways of life – a dog, the wearing of fabrics and hides – show us a rich and complex world.

The work demonstrates Sebidi’s distinctive style, with the colour juxtapositions, SYMBOLISM and stippled, pointillist technique all evident.

Artwork courtesy of Spier Arts Trust.