Shaping visions inspired by the rich, red soil and soul of Limpopo
Artist, puppeteer and teacher Jill Joubert never met Tsonga sculptor and healer, the late Jackson Hlungwani. They might have enjoyed chewing the fat given the spiritual impetus of both sculptors’ subject matter and their outcomes. Both are from Limpopo — Hlungwani from Mbhokota near Louis Trichardt and Joubert from Tzaneen. She believes "a strong connection with one’s birth place" has a powerful influence in shaping people. With its rich, red soil, dark, lush vegetation and dramatic thunderstorms, Tzaneen is a potent place to have begun her life. Hlungwani was well into his 60s before he exhibited, as was Joubert when she held her first solo exhibition. Titled An Abandoned Saint and Other Forgotten Stories, it was held at Smith gallery in Cape Town in June. It comprised four stories: Adam and Eve; St Wilgefortis — or strong virgin — the abandoned, bearded 14th-century saint; Jacob’s Ladder as an interpretation of the crucifix; and St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology. L...
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