Design News South Africa

Ukusela eKapa's 46664 installation on Robben Island pays tribute to an era and an icon

Ukusela eKapa, an official World Design Capital project, has created an installation of 10,000 ikomityi (drinking vessels) on Robben Island to commemorate the life of Nelson Mandela and the 20th anniversary of South Africa's democracy.

This joint venture between ceramic artist, Hennie Meyer and architect, Janine de Waal connected more than 10,000 people from all walks of life in 2014, through the creation of unique drinking vessels. Each ikomityi bears the individual's hand imprint, with their first name and age written on the base of the vessel.

Ukusela eKapa's 46664 installation on Robben Island pays tribute to an era and an icon

Exhibited till 17 November

The mobility of the project enabled Ukusela eKapa to "squeeze" in each of the 24 sub-councils of the City of Cape Town. Visitors to Cape Town from the 9 provinces of South Africa and from more than 50 countries in the world also took part in the project. These individual ikomityi will be used to depict Nelson Mandela's iconic number, 46664, in front of the prison on Robben Island.

The installation launched From African Earth - A Celebration of Ceramics, a month-long World Design Capital project. The public will have the opportunity to experience this artwork until 17 November 2014. Thereafter, all 10,000 drinking vessels will travel back to the mainland by boat. Renowned land artist, Strijdom van der Merwe, will create a new site-specific installation at the Castle of Good Hope. All Ukusela eKapa participants are invited to collect an ikomityi from the Castle on 23 November 2014.

For more information, go to www.ukuselaekapa.co.za.

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