Umlibo

Notes

Commissioned and curated by WWF South Africa in 2023, Umlibo is a monumental hand-embroidered climate advocacy artwork created by head weavers Veronica Betani, Kwandi Paliso, Nozeti Makhubalo, and 40 other artists from the Keiskamma Art Project. Based in the coastal village of Hamburg in the Eastern Cape, the collective brings together decades of storytelling mastery, seen in other examples like the acclaimed Keiskamma Altarpiece (2005) (fig 1) and Keiskamma Guernica (2010) (fig 2), to address the critical impact of climate change on vulnerable rural communities.

The title, Umlibo, is an isiXhosa word referring to the sprawling, creeping tendrils of the wild pumpkin vine, a metaphor for interconnectedness, unity, and the organic dissemination of knowledge across geographic boundaries. Spanning nearly four metres in length, the piece captures personal histories, lived realities, and the tangible threats facing the Hamburg ecosystem, from erratic weather patterns and soil erosion to depleted marine stocks. Innovatively incorporating recycled elements such as repurposed tin cans for silver river fish and plastic bottles for floral accents, the artwork weaves themes of severe ecological hardship alongside visions of communal resilience and alternative livelihoods.

Following its official unveiling in November 2023, Umlibo served as a centerpiece for international climate advocacy at the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai, where head seamstress Veronica Betani represented the project at the South African Pavilion. Speaking on the significance of the partnership and artwork, key leadership figures noted:

"Science can be hard to communicate but art is about stories and people. It is a form of information people can digest and relate to. Art becomes the vehicle to bring the message to the people."— Michaela Howse, Project Manager, Keiskamma Art Project

"Umlibo is a masterpiece that brings together science and art in vividly expressing the hardships suffered by vulnerable communities in the context of climate change and their vision and call to action for a more resilient future..."— Craig Smith, Senior Manager: Marine Programme, WWF South Africa

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this lot will be donated to the Keiskamma Development Trust in support of their ongoing efforts toward community empowerment, economic independence, and social transformation through creative practice.

Provenance

Produced as a community project for the WWF in 2023 as a community climate change advocacy artwork.

(fig 1) Keiskamma Altarpiece (2005) mixed media including beadwork, photographs, appliqué and embroidery. Image courtesy of Keiskamma Retrospective. 

(fig 2) Keiskamma Guernica (2010) mixed media including appliqué, embroidery, felt, rusted wire, metal tags, beaded Aids ribbons, used blankets and old clothes. Image courtesy of Keiskamma Retrospective.