After almost 10 years delay I have at last arrived back in South Africa. My wish is to complete the work I began in 2005, so am returning to the Kalahari. My desire is to somehow make visual the important issue of endangered language and it’s impact on our collective future.
I owe the completion of this project to Madgdalena, Oumas |una, Kheis, Anna and Oupa Andries. Sadly the elders and Madgdalena have now passed away and the language that they spoke may also be on the cusp of departing this world. They each opened their homes and families to me, sharing their knowledge and culture so their stories may be known outside their world.
I hope to make a work worthy of the generosity of all the people I met on this journey. Many thanks to Nigel Crawhall for his introduction to this world and his unending support. [Image L-R: Sarah (assistant) Ouma |una, Ouma Kheis, Nigel Crawhall]
I am in Johannesburg for few days re-familiarising myself with the research from my previous visits in relation to this work.
I am luck to be staying with the amazing artist Bronwen Findley whose work and practice is a constant inspiration.