Artscape officially reopened its doors with a project by fabric artist, Lizette Chirrime.
Khensa Khancu wa Vavanuna (The Dress of Grateful Men) was revealed last Friday, November 6, as part of the International Conference called Build Peace, in partnership with The Bertha Centre.
The interactive art project invited men from across Cape Town to co-create a dress with Chirrime in honour of women.
Twenty-seven men each stitched a personal message to women in their lives on a piece of fabric, which Chirrime then joined together into a full dress.
The work engages with society on becoming active citizens, to stop gender-based violence and to emphasise that the lives of people with disabilities do matter.
Marlene Le Roux, Artscape CEO, said the striking work of art was as an expression of gratitude to women, to engage in a conversation on various forms of masculinity.
“Some men are chauvinists, some men do cry. Gender equality is about actions, working towards a society that practices humanity on all levels”.
Meanwhile, the journey of the dress continues… although the dress has been created, there is no final completion date, because there is no limit to how long the dress can be.
Men from around the world are invited to contribute and Chirrime will extend the length of the dress to accommodate however many more stitched messages she receives.
Men are encouraged to think about the following questions while considering participation:
- Do you take joy in breaking gender stereotypes?Do you feel gratitude for women’s contributions to your life and the world?Do you want to help transform how manhood is defined by society?Are you helping to nurture a society free of violence and discrimination against women?Do you honour the feminine side of yourself?
No prior stitching experience is required, although men who have experience can join as well.
The dress will be on display until the end of November in the Artscape Marble Foyer and images can be viewed on the Artscape website and social media platforms.
For more information, visit www.artscape.co.za
