Boyce Magandela is an artist known for his drawings and approach to embroidery. Instead of just using a needle and thread to create pictures, he stitches with bright colours, bringing his subjects to life in a way that feels refreshing and full of energy.
Recently, Boyce visited the Keiskama Art Project in the Northern Cape, where he met a group of artisans famous for telling African stories. This experience inspired him and added depth to his own work. Since then, his tapestries and paintings have become more vivid in texture and show even more of his creative spirit.
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In Boyce’s own words, he explains his new direction: “With these works, I decided to work with men on blankets. There are many types of blankets in our culture that symbolize important life stages, like moving from boyhood to manhood. I want to show the challenges that men face.” One special blanket he talks about is the check blanket, which is given by elders to welcome a young man into adulthood. Through his art, Boyce shares his own experiences and the journey of becoming a man.
Blankets hold a special place in African culture. For example, the Basotho blanket is often described as “wrapped in history.” An exhibition called “Sutha Ke Fete,” which means “Make way so I may pass,” was curated by Sanlam to explore the meaning of the Basotho blanket. It highlights its importance in Lesotho’s national identity and how it is used in modern cultural practices.
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The woolen blankets are not just traditional items; they have also influenced the fashion industry in South Africa today. Boyce sometimes uses these traditional blankets as canvases for his stitched stories, but he often prefers the checked fabric. In his work, the patterns and symbols he chooses are filled with meaning, adding layers to his narratives.
