26
Ntombephi Ntobela
The Reflections of the Dancers in Paris
2025
Perles sur tissu monté sur sur châssis
Signé des initiales en bas á droite
(Czech & Miyuki beads stitched onto fabric)
65 cm x 46.5 cm
United States of America
London
Canada
Paris
Private Collections
Ubuhle : Beautiful Beads defies definition. Its is a dynamic entity, created to combine the skills of women from Africa who come from diverse backgrounds, taught and inspired by radically different experiences. Each woman is no less talented or deserving of the opportunity to use her skills, gifts and strengths to gain the recognition and success not only to create but also to sustain herself through the sale of her art.
Ubuhle, through a pooling of different skills bases, strengths and identities, continues to be the structure and space that allows for each person within, to focus on their strengths, simultaneously creating a powerful platform that has deeply challenged and changed the manner in which African women are perceived.
Through Ubuhle’s success these women have found the courage to demand the right to be represented on their own terms, with both dignity and respect.
In a world that is constantly changing, Ubuhle has too had to change.The challenges and the need to create art in South Africa has evolved and so have the responsibilities and needs of the women of Ubuhle. What has not changed, however, is our belief that each life has a purpose, that no life, no tradition, no one path is more valuable than another. By working together, in a climate of empathy, kindness, mutual respect, and strong work ethics, Ubuhle continues to defeat the challenges thrown its way, to ensure that the extraordinary art of its artists, will not only continue to enchant the world but also demonstrate that women from South Africa be recognised, rewarded and celebrated for being dynamic contemporary creators that they are.
The story of the Artists of Ubuhle is one where the artists celebrate their purpose by creating extraordinarily beautiful works of Art.
Each artwork telling a story, serving as a memoir to moments in their lives. Their courage and determination to prevail, against all odds, as artists inspiring and giving hope to all who see their art and hear their story.
