South African ceramicist and designer Zizipho Poswa has gracefully craved her path for nearly two decades. her enchanting creations go beyond the ordinary, for they are vessels of ancient stories, each stroke and curve embodying the rich tapestry of her heritage. With a masterful touch she transforms clay and other unusual materials into larger-than-life sculptures that breather life into her cultural narratives.
While studying textile design in college, Poswa’s curiosity led her to the world of art, setting her on a trajectory that would forever intertwine her life with creativity. After a year in the design and textile industry, she embarked on a conceptual exploration, collaborating with fellow artists, including her business partner Andile Dyalvane. Together, they meticulously wove stories that gave birth to a narrative, seamlessly blending mysticism, rituals, religion, and her Xhosa ancestry.
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Zizipho Poswa’s exhibition, “uBuhle boKhokho” (Beauty of Our Ancestors), showcases a stunning collection of clay and bronze sculptures. These sculptures seamlessly merged African hairstyles with traditional vessel forms, creating a visual harmony that transcends time. Alongside the ceramics, a photographic series captured the artist’s process of creating 12 distinct hairstyles, offering a sense of visual comfort amidst the ever-expanding field of Black art.
Poswa’s artistic language revolves around form, as she believes there is a unique power in complementing forms with textures rather than colors. Her sculptures serve as a visual representation of her thoughts and ideas, with each form carrying its own narrative. For instance, her “Umthwalo” series in 2019 explored the concept of women carrying the load, a message that might have been overlooked if not for the expressive forms she meticulously crafts.
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Poswa’s artistic prowess has garnered international acclaim, with her works being acquired by prestigious institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Her ceramics have also found their place in private and corporate collections worldwide. Additionally, she has participated in numerous group exhibitions across New York, Paris, Hamburg, and Liverpool, and has showcased her creations at renowned art and design events.
Beyond the accolades and recognition, Poswa remains deeply committed to keeping her culture alive through her ceramic artwork. Each piece she creates carries a part of her heritage, bridging the gap between the past and the present. Through her dedication to ceramics, Poswa invites us to appreciate the beauty and significance of preserving cultural traditions and narratives.
