Xolile Embroideries

ABOUT US

Currently residing on a Richmond farm, Xolile is a young woman who makes embroidered textiles which includes bags, wall hangings and cushion covers. She has been participating in various development workshops run by the African Art Centre, particularly the ‘Amazwi Abesifazane’ and the ‘Intokozo’ group.

She participated in a project called ‘Ntokozo’ group where a group of women narrated happy stories on embroidered textiles. In this project, the participating women were taught new skills of embroidery, beading and appliqué. The outcome was very appealing and a range of beautiful cushion covers and wall hangings were produced.

Xolile continues to this day to sell her embroidered works which include beads and appliqué method on wall hangings. Her work often depicts what makes her happy, everyday life scenes or themes about culture and history.

Xolile is a prominent, hard-working member in Ntokozo group. She constantly employs new styles and expertise in designing and concepts to make her textiles more appealing. She is also reliable and will do whatever it takes to fulfil and complete orders within a stipulated time frame. Xolile is currently involved in training workshops where her skills are passed on to other women in her community. She is also currently training a group of women from the INK Project at Ntuzuma Township outside Durban to make embroidered panels.

EXHIBITIONS

• 2008: ‘Amazwi abesifazane’ exhibition at the African Art Centre
• 2009: Christmas Exhibition, at the African Art Centre
• 2010: ‘Celebrating Craft in
• 2010’ group exhibition at the African Art Centre
• 2010: ‘African Christmas’ Exhibition at the African Art Centre
• 2010: Santa Fe International Folk Art Market, New Mexico in USA
• 2011: ‘Birds of a Feather’, group exhibition at the African Art Centre
• 2011: ‘Ngingubani – Who am I’, group exhibition at the Durban Art Gallery
• 2011: ‘Ukhisimuzi Wethu’ Christmas exhibition, African Art Centre
• 2012: ‘African Art Centre Artist and Crafter of the year’, Durban
• 2012: ‘Buy Local’ Christmas Exhibition at the African Art Centre, Durban
• 2012: Exhibitor at the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market, USA
• 2013: ‘Qala ukubona’ Group exhibition at Durban Art Gallery
• 2014: International Folk Art Market Collection, Dallas
• 2014: Santa Fe International Folk Art Market, New Mexico in USA
• 2015: Santa Fe International Folk Art Market, New Mexico in USA
• 2015: New York Now at New York
• 2016: Guangdong 21st Century Maritime Silk Road International Expo
• 2017: Durban Art Gallery Artist in Residence
• 2017: Decorex at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg

Commissions:

• 2005: Members of the ‘Ntokozo’ group produced the beaded South African flag for The Constitutional Court of South Africa in Johannesburg
• 2009: Members of the ‘Ntokozo’ group produced a beaded South African flag for the Moses Mabhida Soccer Stadium in Durban.
• 2011: Produced a beaded panel commissioned by South African Artist; Wayne Barker
• 2012-2013: Beaded painting commissioned by South African Artist; Wayne Barker