In July, SA Creatives joined forces with AFRICAN ART SPACES to bring a fresh perspective to the Art scene, shining a light on the remarkable creativity within our communities. At the heart of this encounter were three female illustrators at the heart of the now revealed Robertsons Spice’s collaboration with ART SPACES: Naledi Modupi, Zinhle Sithebe, and Larissa Mwanyama.
In our August issue, we offer our platform to proclaim these three exceptional artists as our new cover stars, celebrating the strength of women who create art that reflects their unique “Artistic Flavours”.
READ MORE: AFRICAN ART SPACES Reimagines A New Encounter With Art!
As part of the overall festivities, an exclusive exhibition event further took place in Durban on Saturday, July 27th. This occasion presented the collaboration between Robertsons Spice & AFRICAN ART SPACES that celebrated the fusion of “flavour meeting creativity” through Robertsons’ heritage of bringing and owning flavour thanks to the custom artworks created by the six championed exhibitors being our cover stars Zinhle Sithebe, Naledi Modupi, Larissa Mwanyama as well as the acknowledged Nolan C. Kalwandu, Sphelele Gumede and Njabulo Hlhope.
Not only did this collaboration highlight the synergy between brand and artistic talent but it also proudly celebrated the 100th anniversary of Robertsons’ masterful heritage by a compelling collection of signature masterpieces titled “The Art of Flavour,” created to embody the creative spirit of the featured artists and rich tapestry of Robertsons’ masterfully crafted spice blends.
Zee Feels
Zinhle Sithebe, popularly known as Zee Feels, created a striking artwork inspired by Disney’s ‘Goofy’ character. Her piece delivers the message of embracing one’s quirks and imperfections, just as Goofy is quirky, clumsy, and optimistic.
The artwork reflects Robertsons’ motto of ‘Owning Your Flavour,’ which encourages cooking without fear of mistakes. It celebrates the nostalgia, creativity, and joy that comes when experimenting with spices in the kitchen, celebrating culinary journeys filled with fun and flaws.
That.Art.Kid.Lari
Larissa Mwanyama, known as That.Art.Kid.Lari, delivered a portrayal of spices that ignite the senses. Her artwork captures the playful and imaginative discovery of flavours, inviting viewers into a world brimming with rich colours and textures.
Infused with Afrofuturistic themes, her piece tells the story of her personal journey in learning about cooking alongside her parents. Each spice in her artwork symbolizes a narrative, bridging her experiences with cultural heritage and the joys of community gatherings over food.
Naledi Modupi
Naledi Modupi’s artwork is a vivid celebration of femininity and joy as she honours Robertsons’ century-long legacy. In her piece, she portrays a woman exuberantly celebrating the rich flavours that Robertsons brings to life in kitchens.
Known for her ability to highlight beauty, boldness, and the happiness of women, Naledi’s art radiates warmth and celebration, illustrating how a sprinkle of spice can elevate any moment into a joyous occasion.
The entire three-day ART SPACES experience was brought to life by media personalities, including Leddi G and Siya ‘Scoop’ Ngwekazi on the opening night, with the addition of Kabelo Moremi for day 2 and Luthando Shosha guiding the events during day 3 in Durban. Their presence added to the atmosphere, making it a memorable occasion for everyone involved to witness an entire concept come to life with a vision to increase the visibility and appreciation for nontraditional art platforms and unconventional artists alike.
One key takeaway from our August digital cover spotlight is that being human is a complex and beautiful blend of different facets; our identities are not defined by just one aspect, but rather, we are an ocean of diverse experiences and creations. This collaboration between the exhibitors, Robertsons Spice and the spirit of AFRICAN ART SPACES highlights that creativity is not merely about following a familiar path but about exploring new flavours, pushing boundaries, and celebrating shared journeys that foster innovation and open up new experiences.
It’s about venturing into new territories, free from the pressures of perfectionism. The shift in mindset—from worrying about excelling to embracing the changes that creativity can bring to our lives—is profound. This perspective encourages us to celebrate creativity not as a pursuit of external validation but as an enriching expression of our true selves, providing pleasure and fulfillment in every step of the process.
