Addressing Eurocentric conservative canonised static ideals of intellectualism through our lens and experience. Since VIGOUR is representation orientated, we always question how we are seen and represented in the historical and institutional context. This collection derived from urgency to communicate something with honesty and integrity. When I was engaging with works of literature / intellects it was usually depicted as the other but AFRICAN, and if it was, there is always this pessimistic linguistic connotation. E.g. If it was Steve Biko, "he was part of a rebellious group" and was never truly seen as a true intellect and his writings are never truly praised.

So I started thinking about all the intellectuals that influenced me within my community which are institutionally marginalised like Steve Biko, Tsietsi Mashinini, Eskia Mphahlele, Mazisi Kunene, and wanted to push them to the forefront and validate them that they are as important as the renaissance artists which also greatly influenced me and are highly respected like da Vinci, Raphael, Lorenzo Lotto, Michelangelo. So with this collection, it’s about taking archetypal depictions of black intellectuals, what they wore, their impact, and how they were influenced by a Eurocentric non-diverse historical canon.

So it’s about mixing these South African ideals, with these Eurocentric ideals, but the characters realize their power and they opt to stand out rather than be too influenced. So I looked at archetypal South African school uniforms, accessories from Toughees school shoes to ties, shirts, pants and tried to elevate them by merging them with the garments/uniforms of the renaissance artists and started creating this amalgamation.

Trying to find a middle ground visually but still be Afrocentric and driven to find a voice. Also, the possible wardrobe garments my characters would have worn and elevate them. Writings by W.E.B. Du Bois on double consciousness were also used as a paramount reference.

-Artwork in collaboration with @bynature.za