EKHAYA – HOME
Ekhaya is a series of woven artworks made with organic elements and natural yarn by Bosch, a born South African who explores her identity and connection to her homeland. The title of the series comes from the Xhosa word for home, one of the eleven official languages of South Africa. It also contains the Afrikaans word ek, meaning me or I, another official language of the country. Bosch uses these linguistic references in all the titles of this series to express her personal and cultural roots, as well as the diversity and complexity of South African society.
Bosch’s artworks are inspired by the natural elements and materials that she encountered in her childhood and that remind her of her motherland. She collects seeds and dried flowers from different regions and seasons, and weaves them together into intricate art pieces. She also incorporates other objects, such as beads, shells and wire that have symbolic or sentimental value for her. Bosch’s artworks are not only visual, but also tactile and olfactory, as they invite the viewer to touch and smell the organic textures and fragrances.
Bosch’s artworks are a reflection of her longing and love for her homeland, as well as a celebration of its beauty and diversity. She creates a sense of home through her woven artworks, which are both personal and universal, and which evoke memories and emotions. Bosch’s artworks are also a tribute to the traditions and skills of weaving and beadwork, which have been practiced by many cultures and generations in South Africa and around the world.