Billie Zangewa (1973-): Breeding Ground explores the transformative potential of nurturing as a fundamental force for growth, creation, and connection. Through her masterful use of silk collage, Zangewa examines the cycles of care that define human existence, offering a compelling meditation on themes of motherhood, community, identity, and resilience.

Central to the exhibition is the concept of nurturing as an essential process that transcends biological frameworks. She investigates care in its many forms-whether directed towards a child, a relationship, an idea, or the environment-and how it shapes transformation over time. Her choice of silk as a medium is deliberate, embodying both fragility and resilience, which mirrors the duality of the narratives she presents.

The works articulate a profound dialogue between the personal and the collective, rooted in Zangewa’s experiences as a Malawian-South African woman, mother, and artist. These intimate portrayals transcend the domestic sphere to interrogate broader socio-political constructs, including gender roles, cultural identity, and the complexities of women’s lives. Through intricate compositions and vibrant patterns, Zangewa employs African textiles and cultural symbols, blending heritage with contemporary perspectives, while challenging stereotypes and affirming African femininity.

Johannesburg serves as an influential backdrop in Zangewa’s artwork, reflecting her engagement with urban life. Inspired by the city’s dynamism and contrasts, her works evoke the textures, rhythms, and nuances of its landscapes, particularly through its public transport system and striking architectural forms.

Breeding Ground also highlights the critical role of collective care within communities. Drawing from oral histories and shared narratives, Zangewa foregrounds the contributions of women and caregivers, emphasizing their influence in shaping individual and communal identities. This focus on interconnectedness invites reflection on the profound ways in which care, both individual and collective, sustains and nurtures life.

This exhibition positions nurturing as a central catalyst for transformation and resilience, prompting audiences to reconsider the delicate balance of strength and vulnerability inherent in the act of care.