Notes

The artists explains that 'uMaZikode' was her grandmother, who was a domestic worker during the apartheid era: "I made this painting to tell her story and to honour black matriarchs, who held together families during the apartheid era, portraying them in a dignified manner and perspective where they were not suffering."

Nombuso Dowelani was one of 12 outstanding artists selected for the 2021 RMB Talent Unlocked career development programme, funded by the FirstRand Foundation:

"The affirmations from the women in my life breathed life into my visual art."

With women visual artists currently under-represented, it was decided to make them the focus of the 2021 programme. The participating artists were involved in a rigorous skills development and mentorship process, addressing professional practice and guiding the development of a comprehensive body of work. Artists also received individual critique and feedback from established art mentors and peers, engaging them in in-depth coaching sessions on writing, career advancement, marketing, personal finance and sustainable business.

“The programme was developed by RMB to empower South African artists and raise their profile and prospects of prosperity,” says RMB Chief Marketing Officer Alison Badenhorst. “It naturally dovetails with our longstanding commitment to helping stimulate and support Africa’s vibrant and resourceful creative economy.”

RMB’s Talent Unlocked programme has extended across a diverse range of art platforms, enabling and showcasing local arts talent for the past two decades.

Exhibited

Circa Gallery, Johannesburg, RMB Talent Unlocked, 7 to 21 August, 2021.