Afrovibes: Exhibition Oceanic Marigold

The depths of the ocean, its changing shape, the unsuspected connection between cultures previously separated by colonial borders and division are powerfully expressed in the artwork of Oceanic Marigold Beads. This art project was created in collaboration with the Oceanic Humanities for the Global South (OHGS) research project at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. 

The waters of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans have seen huge population movements, slavery and the exploitation of people and goods. However, in many African traditions, the oceans and the waters of the sea are also material for healing, fluidity, cleansing rituals and regeneration. 

Oceanic Marigold Beads bring to life the vast colour palette of the ocean, the blues and greens, reds, purples and blacks of the deepest ocean, as well as the hues of sand, surf, seaweed and the open sea. In Africa, beads are important because of their history as a means of payment in times of colonialism and slavery, and because of their representative functions in African societies.  

The sensual shimmer of Oceanic Marigold Beads connects us to the history of African beadwork, to the ocean, to the history of slavery and violence, and to the power of water to cleanse and heal.