Turning the dust of human trauma into a symbol of reconciliation

Created By:

Such Initiative

When:

Mon 15, Tues 16, Thurs 18, Fri 19 at 10h00 to 16h00
Wed 17, 10h00 to 12h30; 14h30 to 16h00
Sat 20 at 09h00 to 13h00, 13h00 Closing Ceremony

Where:

St Georges Cathedral

Duration:

On going

The ancient Sanskrit word ‘mandala’ means sacred circle. Found in the iconography of nearly every world religion, mandalas are associated with meditation, harmony and the creation of sacred spaces. They are powerful symbols, understood to bring order to the world, and inner-stillness to those who make them.

Throughout the duration of the Festival, Such Initiative creates a mandala from sand and other natural materials collected from sites in and around Cape Town where human rights violations have occurred. Like alchemists, the artists will transform base material into something precious. They use the process of building this symbol to reflect on the trauma that they’re working with, hoping to initiate an energy of collective healing by inspiring passersby to do the same.

The artists invite you to bring earth from your own sites of personal trauma for inclusion in the Mandala of Healing.

Please visit them throughout the week to see the progression of the mandala, and then join them at 13h00 on Sat 20 for the closing ceremony for the piece.

Such Initiative

With a passion for the creative, an awareness of the environment and a strong desire to make a difference, Usha Seejarim and Hannelie Coetzee collaborate through Such Initiative: Changing Perceptions through eco-conscious public art. The artists share a common South African identity, yet different cultural backgrounds. Their ongoing collaboration has sparked intriguing conversations around celebrating differences and finding common ground.