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| The Constant Gardener, 2014 Tapestry with embroidered silk, 127 * 103 cm |
Born in 1973 in Blantyre, Malawi, Billie Zangewa lives and works in Johannesburg, South Africa. She was born to a South African mother and Malawian father. She was raised in Gaborone, Botswana and educated there.
The environment Billie Zangewa grew up in influenced her a lot. According to her remarks, "It (Gaborone) was very free and I could be a child." It was also multi-cultural, so she was exposed to many different shades of humanity and cultures. Her mother worked in the textiles industry on sewing and embroidery. In her artistic training, she tested several modes of expression, but finally became passionate about the work of silk.
At first glance, or from a distance, the intricate tapestries that Billie Zangewa creates using silk could be mistaken for oil paintings. Upon closer inspection their unique beauty comes to light as the skilful cuttings and thread work are revealed. Often set in the urban landscapes of Johannesburg, the city which she has called home for the past 17 years, her tapestries seek to explore the female gaze - that is, how a woman sees herself as beautiful through her own eyes. This is the main theme of her artworks. Her protagonist (moi!) has evolved from needing the male gaze for affirmation to this powerful being that does not look for approval outside of herself.
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