Capstone Portfolio : Etienne Visser
About the backdrop
I chose to showcase Mary Sibande's artwork as the backdrop to my website, which highlights the culmination of my Master's degree on teaching and leading inclusion with teachers, for deeply personal and professional reasons.
Growing up as a white South African, I was keenly aware of the privilege that surrounded me. This awareness has shaped my journey towards inclusivity and equity in education. Mary Sibande's powerful artistic narratives resonate profoundly with me because they eloquently address issues of gender inequality, racism, and the complexities of African identity. Her creation of the alter ego, Sophie, as a symbol of empowerment against societal expectations deeply moved me.
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Through my Master's degree, I have embraced the responsibility to use my platform to uplift those who have been historically marginalized. Mary Sibande's work serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of art in challenging societal norms and advocating for inclusivity. By featuring her art prominently on my website, I aim to amplify her voice and contribute to broader conversations on social justice and empowerment.
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I chose Mary Sibande not only because her work resonates with the themes of my studies but also out of profound respect for her artistry and the messages she conveys. It is my hope that by showcasing her work, I can contribute to honoring her legacy and promoting the values of inclusivity and equity that are at the heart of my academic journey.
About the artist: MARY SIBANDE
Mary Sibande is a prominent South African contemporary artist known for her compelling explorations of identity, gender, and race within the context of post-apartheid South Africa. Born in 1982, Sibande gained international acclaim for her evocative artworks that challenge historical and societal narratives through the lens of her alter ego, Sophie. Through sculpture, photography, and installation, Sibande transforms the figure of Sophie, a domestic worker, into a powerful symbol of empowerment and resistance. Her work not only critiques the legacy of colonialism and apartheid but also celebrates the resilience and agency of black women in South Africa. Sibande's art invites viewers to reconsider perceptions of race, gender roles, and history, offering a poignant reflection on social change and the complexities of identity in contemporary society.
About the art
Visit the Kavi Gupta site below to learn more about Mary Sibande's work.