COLORS OF CULTURE

Established in 2000 by the late Barbara Jackson from South Africa, MonkeyBiz continues to fulfill Barbara’s vision to create and empower women with life-changing opportunities. For over two decades, the collective has enabled immense positive change in their communities. The work of the artists from Cape Town also represents what creating empowerment for women can look like–and the ripple effect it has on the preservation and innovation of folk art traditions. This community of weave-beading artists creates exceptional beaded sculptures that are rooted in their South African Heritage.

Their stunning and detailed design techniques have been passed down from their mothers and grandmothers for centuries and continue influencing African culture and way of life. This fusion is also presented in their artwork and products that blend traditional techniques with more contemporary designs and uses. The revitalization of some of the traditional art techniques, patterns, and motifs is also an important layer of the work of the collective. Each piece is created with deep cultural significance. For the artists, it is also a way of creating a connection with their ancestors–a reminder that there is beauty in protecting the past because everything old is new again.