Ubuhle Collective

20 September 2022

Ubuhle is a collective of women artists from the rural Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa, who create shimmering light paintings by hand-sewing thousands of glass beads onto canvas which is then stretched onto a chassis. Ubuhle, which means “beauty” in Zulu and Xhosa, currently consists of four women – Zondile Zondo, Zandile Ntobela, Thando Ntobela and Ntombephi “Induna” Ntobela. What started as a humble project, using traditional skills to create independence and give rural artists hope, has evolved into the artists of Ubuhle stunning the world with their mesmerizing fine art. By being recognised as International artists, these women have challenged the traditional perception of rural women and showcased them as the dignified, gifted, dedicated artists that they are.