Sipho Mabona's Calabash Art Honors His Father's Legacy

Sipho Mabona, renowned for his striking origami-style creations, delves into personal memories with his latest series, "The Calabashes We Never Drank Amasi From." This poignant tribute utilizes calabashes—hollowed gourds native to tropical Africa—crafted from recycled milk cartons, reflecting Mabona's familial ties and cultural heritage.

The inspiration stems from his father's childhood stories in South Africa's Eastern Cape, particularly memories of drinking Amasi, a traditional fermented milk, from calabashes. “This series connects my upbringing with my father's experiences,” Mabona shares, highlighting the cultural significance of calabashes in Xhosa traditions.

Each piece in the series features vibrant, text-rich Tetra Pak elements, with mirrors designed to distort the viewer's perspective. Additionally, intimate recordings of the late Mongameli Mabona, an esteemed scholar and activist, reciting his poetry and academic work, enhance the experience.

To showcase his art, Mabona crafted cylindrical plinths from a blend of soil and cow dung, reminiscent of the rondavel huts of his father's youth. This choice adds a layer of cultural resonance, grounding the calabashes in a familiar yet transformative context.

Source: www.thisiscolossal.com