Ubuhle Women: Beadwork and the Art of Independence

Ubuhle Women: Beadwork and the Art of Independence

A new form of bead art, the ndwango ("cloth"), developed by a community of women living and working together in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Event details

Address: 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton, OH 45405 [Map/directions]
Event has passed (Sun, Sep 10 2017)
* this page may be updated if event is repeated in the future *
Cost: Adults: $14; Seniors (60+), Students (18+ w/ID), Active Military: $11; Groups (10 or more): $11; Youth (ages 7-17): $6; Children (6 & under): Free; Museum Members: Free

Ubuhle Women: Beadwork and the Art of Independence

June 24 2017 - September 10 2017
 
The DAI’s summer exhibition, Ubuhle Women: Beadwork and the Art of Independence, showcases a new form of bead art, the ndwango (“cloth”), developed by a community of women living and working together in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Ubuhle (pronounced Uh-Buk-lay) means “beauty” in the Xhosa and Zulu languages, and it describes the shimmering quality of light on glass that has a particular spiritual significance for the Xhosa people. The black fabric on which the Ubuhle women work is reminiscent of the Xhosa headscarves and skirts which many of them grew up wearing. Using skills handed down through generations, and working in their own unique style—“directly from the soul,” according to artist Ntombephi Ntobela—the women create abstract as well as figurative subjects for their ndwangos. 

The exhibition was developed by the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, Washington, D.C., in cooperation with Curators Bev Gibson, Ubuhle Beads, and James Green, and it is organized for tour by International Arts & Artists. The Dayton Art Institute will be the first venue for this new tour.

Dayton Art Institute

Ubuhle Women: Beadwork and the Art of Independence is taking place at Dayton Art Institute, which is located at 456 Belmonte Park North in Dayton. Dayton Art Institute - Committed to enriching the community by creating meaningful experiences with art that are available to all. Visit us often to enjoy our diverse collections, world class exhibits and more.

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