Billie Zangewa: Breeding Ground

Renowned Malawian South African artist Billie Zangewa’s latest exhibition, Breeding Ground, curated by Anelisa Mangcu, opens on 18 February 2025 at Norval Foundation – marking her first institutional show in South Africa. This powerful body of work, invites audiences into the intimate, multifaceted realm of motherhood, growth, care, creation, community, and transformation.

Anelisa Mangcu (b.1992-) is a South African gallerist and curator based in Cape Town, renowned for her dynamic contributions to the art landscape. With her deep commitment to decentralising and decolonising frameworks through contemporary African art, she bridges cultural narratives and fosters dialogue through her exhibitions.

Through her iconic silk collages, Zangewa explores both literal and symbolic forms of nurturing, reflecting on the cycles of life – from birth and infancy to development, maturity, and decay – and often reflects her own experiences as a Black woman in a globalised world, addressing issues of race, gender, and personal freedom. Her work has been exhibited internationally, garnering recognition for its unique style and its ability to merge fine art with textile traditions.

Silk, the artist’s primary medium, plays a vital role in conveying the exhibition’s theme. The delicate yet resilient fabric serves as a metaphor for both the fragility and strength of the identities and experiences depicted in Zangewa’s work. Each piece, created through meticulous layering and stitching, reflects the complexities of personal and collective history.

Central to the exhibition is Zangewa’s tribute to Johannesburg – the city that ignited her creative journey in 1997. The dynamic energy of the city, particularly the experience of commuting through Johannesburg’s taxis, provides a backdrop for many of the works on display. Zangewa’s keen observations of the city’s architecture, shifting light, and vibrant colors are woven into her collages, capturing the vibrancy and resilience of urban life. Through her use of textiles, symbols, and references to past and present techniques, she pays homage to her cultural heritage, blending tradition with contemporary realities.

norvalfoundation.org