Morgan Mahape

My current body of work is a vibrant celebration of the African community’s unique identity and the theme of diversity. Through the use of different shades of green and red, I aim to create a contrast between the coolness of human figures and the warmth of the natural environment. This approach highlights the beauty and power of the African community, with each colour representing an aspect of their collective experience.

The use of beads is a central element of this body of work, and I carefully suspend each bead individually with fishline strings, hung from steel rod to create a cohesive image. This meticulous and labour-intensive process serves as a metaphor for the collective experience of the African community. Each bead represents an individual and unique aspect of the community, but when brought together, they create a greater and more powerful whole. The final product is a stunning representation of the beauty and strength of diversity.

My current body of work makes use of strong colours to portray a vibrant celebration of the African community’s unique identity and the theme of diversity. Through the use of different shades of green and red, I aim to create a contrast between the coolness of human figures and the warmth of the natural environment. This approach highlights the beauty and power of the African community. 

Beads are a central element in this body of work, and I carefully thread the beads on individual threads of fishing line which are then hung from a steel rod to create a cohesive image. This meticulous and labour-intensive process serves as a metaphor for the collective experience of the African community. Each bead represents an individual who is a unique part of the community, but when everyone is brought together, they create a greater and more powerful whole. The final product created from these strings of beads is a stunning representation of the beauty and strength of diversity.

Creating these pieces is my tribute to the resilience of the African community which results from the unity of many individuals. The use of vibrant colours, strong imagery, and the unusual medium all work together to create a powerful and evocative commentary on the human experience. The large-scale pictures made from thousands of small beads is a testament to the power of many small parts coming together to create something greater. It is a reminder that every individual is essential and has the potential to contribute to the collective strength of a community.

In my body of work, my ultimate goal is to convey the message that diversity should be celebrated and that coming together can achieve great things. The African community is an excellent example of this, and through my art, I aim to honour and commemorate its beauty and strength. By highlighting the power of community, I hope to inspire others to embrace and celebrate diversity, and to create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.