Southern Guild has published a large-format, printed catalogue focusing on Zizipho Poswa’s second major solo exhibition, uBuhle boKhokho (Beauty of our Ancestors), in partnership with BMW South Africa. The 48-page publication includes essays by Nkgopoleng Moloi and Thando Ndabezitha, as well as a series of photographs depicting the artist’s recreation of iconic African hairstyles on herself.

View the catalogue online.

The 20 ceramic and bronze sculptures in uBuhle boKhokho drew inspiration from the elaborate art of hairstyling practised by Black women across the African continent and diaspora. In her research, Poswa amassed iconic examples of African hairstyles from archival photography and popular culture – some of which are included in the catalogue. As she learnt more about each style’s historical lineage and unpacked their cultural codes, social signals and political importance, she was drawn to a more personal, embodied survey of this unique form of artistry. Over a period of five months, the artist collaborated with her hairstylist, Samantha T. Mushamba, to create 12 traditional hairstyles from all over the African continent, documenting them in a portrait series with photographer Hayden Phipps. This photographic project was made possible with the support of BMW South Africa.

Since 2018, Southern Guild has collaborated with BMW on a series of artist-focused projects founded on the mutual values of creative courage, excellence and innovation. Through its global cultural engagement, the BMW Group has established over 100 long-term initiatives in the fields of modern and contemporary art, classical music, jazz and sound, as well as in architecture and design.