:: Melkhoutfontein, Stilbaai, Western Cape, South Africa::
:: February & March 2016 - March & April 2017 - February & March 2018 ::
:: 2015 - 45cm x 35cm - Acrylics, Inks & Markers on Canvas Board ::
Here is a scene of magic and intimacy as a mother prepares her daughter for womanhood by painting her with ochre patterns inspired by the Blombos Cave red ochre artefacts. The moment is timeless: we could be in the ancient past 80,000 years ago or among the Strandlopers of the past few thousand years, as the tent-dwelling behind is taken from that latter culture. The ritual happens by moonlight, lending a mythical sense to the scene. This design was popular, and was intended for use on a dividing wall; however once in Melkhoutfontein, a suitable place could not be found. It is hoped that one of the future artists involved in the project might be inspired to realise one of the variations of this image.
A daylight variation of the design, based upon community feedback...
The original sketch which caught the community's attention...