Please note all images are subject to copyright protection. Ownership of the copyright is an intellectual property right. Ownership of the physical artwork is a personal property right. A sale of the physical artwork does not transfer the copyrights in the artwork. Written permission to use any image, in any form, needs to be obtained directly from Ubuhle: Beautiful Beads
Please note all images are subject to copyright protection. Ownership of the copyright is an intellectual property right. Ownership of the physical artwork is a personal property right. A sale of the physical artwork does not transfer the copyrights in the artwork. Written permission to use any image, in any form, needs to be obtained directly from Ubuhle: Beautiful Beads

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.

Fine art ubuhle zondile zondo paris south african art

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.

  • I support this outstanding project and urge those who can help to do generously

    Desmond Tutu
    Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town
  • We were overwhelmed by the beauty and artistry of the work, the scale of the pieces and intricacy of the beading,

    Marcia Baird Burris
    Curator
  • The most soulfully exquisite, artfully crafted work

    Joseph Romatelli
  • I sat and wept, overwhelmed not only by the beauty of their world and it’s vibrancy but for these women who are striving to succeed and survive!

    Barbara Sorce
  • Abstract in their appearance and masterful in their construction the beaded panels speak to a new dynamic for the medium.

    Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum