Gender-Based Violence is a sore subject in the African Community for various reasons. Partnering with Jaguar, The Melrose Gallery in South Africa presents the #Giveherhercrown exhibition, which empowers women through diverse installations, sculptures, digital art, and paintings. Featuring 6 bespoke artists, the exhibition intricately celebrates the unique differences in all women. It is a celebration of their individuality, power, and uniqueness. Accessible through the Melrose Gallery website, the exhibition runs until August 25th.
The exhibition honors South African Female Identity, with artists zooming in on the uniqueness of the female spectrum. Each artwork delves into the complexities and strengths that define womanhood. The 2020 launch of #GiveHerACrown aimed to reshape narratives around South African women, beginning with bespoke crown art and later introducing the #CrownCollection. This year, the campaign highlights women’s inherent strength—transforming individuals and communities.
Featuring 6 powerful female artists—Andiswa Bhungane, Beth Diane Armstrong, Lara Klawikowski, Lena Hugo, Shelley Mokoena, and Sonja Swanepoel—the exhibition presents spectacular artworks with different mediums like digital art, paintings, and sculptures.
For instance, Andiswa Bhungane’s “Empowerment Through Unity mixed-media artwork beautifully conveys the strength of unity among women. She employs rich textures and vibrant colours to symbolize collective empowerment, with each element contributing to a harmonious whole. The transition from darkness to light signifies resilience, courage, and triumph over adversity.
‘”Gender-based Violence is a pervasive problem that affects millions of people worldwide. with women and girls disproportionately impacted. Supporting initiatives like Give Her A Crown helps to address and reduce the prevalence of GBV in society. Having lost my mother, Phumzile, and my dear niece, Enhle, to GBV, I believe in initiatives that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place by addressing the root causes, promoting positive behavioral change, and empowering women.”- Andiswa’s Artist statement.
Similarly, Lara Klawikowski’s “Resilient Blooms”: Klawikowski’s creation showcases the transformative power of resilience. Her use of upcycled materials echoes the ability of women to blossom and thrive despite challenging circumstances. The intricate details of the recycled materials tell stories of renewal and strength.
“When I attended the protest march outside parliament in 2019 after Uyinene Mrwetyana was raped and murdered, what resonated with me was how resilient and empowered the women were. They were also victims of GBV, but their strength, defiance, and determination to end GBV was striking. They were not crushed. It was beautiful—a different kind of beauty. I felt proud of them and proud to be a woman. I joined the Give Her A Crown campaign to honour the resilient beauty of GBV victims- Laras Artist’s statement.
These artworks in the #GiveHerACrown exhibition embody the campaign’s mission of promoting empowerment and positive change. By celebrating the uniqueness of women and amplifying their voices, the campaign fosters dialogue and encourages the embrace of individual strength.
In a society grappling with gender-based violence, initiatives like #GiveHerACrown hold significance. They amplify the voices of women and highlight their resilience. Through the medium of art, this exhibition strives to catalyze a shift towards a more equitable and empowered future for all.
