Soweto Sentinel
Crochet tapestry
91 cm x 55 cm
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
Inspired by the iconic Soweto Towers, this artwork captures the essence of home and nostalgia. Growing up in Soweto, the towers stood as a constant presence, watching over the community and holding memories of laughter and joy. I grew up seeing the artwork on the towers from different angles in various townships within Soweto, and this piece distils my fond memories of childhood into a vibrant, textured representation of the towers, set against the vibrant urban landscape of Soweto.
This hand-stitched artwork is a labour of love, carefully crafted to celebrate the community-driven spirit of Soweto. The piece pays homage to the original murals that adorned the towers during my childhood, which depicted everyday kasi life. My artwork reimagines these scenes, featuring a group of women gathered around a fire, alongside iconic elements like a train (istimela), the stadium, a taxi, and other vibrant township details. Through every stitch, I aim to honour the beauty and resilience of Soweto’s community, and the sentinel-like presence of the towers that continue to watch over us.