Original Oil Painting on Canvas – The Pearl of Limpopo

Description

Original Oil Painting on Canvas – The Pearl of Limpopo 100 cm x 100 cm

My work titled The Pearl of Limpopo,  drew inspiration from all the diverse, strong women in South Africa. The woman depicted in the work, Named Calfonia, is a leather worker. She is from Limpopo, but like many other people she had to leave her village behind to work in Johannesburg. This work emphasizes the modern cultural dilemma of being torn between your traditional roots, and a modern, economic society. In the work of art Calfonia is wearing a traditional skirt, but the lace fan in her hand is of complete European origin. Her beads are in a traditional style, but it’s made of pearls. This is a visual metaphor for how time has blurred the lines between what was traditionally acceptable at home, and modern cultural influences. Women in South Africa has Faught for so many years for equality. Yet, they still face so much invisible scrutiny. Either from their peers, elders or in the workplace. With this work of art, the artist wishes to tell every single woman, young and old to keep being assertive when your rights are on the line, never stop fighting for equality, and never stop being exactly who it is you want to be as a woman.