"Strokes of Genius project": Day one: Facilitation of Three days workshop at Bien Donnée Manor Farm/ Simondium-Paarl

The workshop was realized with an amount of fifteen (15) participants all youth from the paarl suburb, (we first started with twelve and two joined us later), myself (Maurice H. Mbikayi) and a member of the Department (Ayanda Tobi) who introduced the project along with me.
The first day workshop was done primarily with a briefing of the project, the work plan, following by the explanation of the concept and understanding of the concept planed: How an Artist can become successful on his own right and economically sustain himself. And thus with a major support the Departments-Shoprite & Checkers who initiated the project
All participants showed an enthusiastic sense of exchange and involvement in the project. The last part of the first day was executed by the actual painting process starting by one hour sketch execution or brainstorming.

Visual Art Workshop at Bien Donnée Manor Farm/Simondium-Paarl: Day one-Introduction of the concept and work plan

Facilitated by the“Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport & the Department of trade and Industry"

The project initiated was done in three days (28th Sept-30th sept) with the participation of fifteen members, from diverse background and race, between 19 and 25 year old, all youth from the near environment. And the project overview was much positive compared to the enthusiasm and commitment of each participant.

"Echoes" a proposed exhibition Tour in all the "Alliance Francaises" around South Africa and in country sides

After a successfull exhibition at the Alliance Française of Cape Town from August 10th to 23th 2010. The Director of the Alliance Francaise Cape Town the Doctor Ludmila Ommundsen who very much liked the exhibition concept and display, proposed the show to be taken to all the "Alliance Françaises" around South Africa as well as Mbabane/Swaziland and Maputo/Mozambique.The Tour will start next year from February 7th 2011 to 18TH July.

Contacts:
Dr.Ludmila OMMUNDSEN-Tel: (021) 423 5699, email: capetown@alliance.org.za and Graziella LAUDE -Tel: (021) 423 5699, email: culture.cpt@alliance.org.za
-Fax: (021) 423 5704,Web: alliance.org.za
-155 Loop Street,P.O.Box:16527 Vlaeberg 8018

Exhibition:"ECHOES" at Alliance Francaise of Cape Town,155 Loop Str/CT.,on 10th August @ 18h:30

“I am...my experience, my life and the life of those around me...we had a home, a place that gave us our identity, now we are guests in your home...”

The body of work is a metaphor that embodies and expresses the excruciating vulnerability of African working class, poor, women and children...... brothers and sisters and the litany of organized and random assaults tearing away at the tissue of their lives.

In my Africa;

Where life and dignity should be preserved and defended by those who have the power to determine and control governance and policy there is war for power, displacement and persecution – pawns with little or no value.
Where for each person there should be joy, growth, security and justice there is rape, torture and personal catastrophe – ordinary dreams of life ripped asunder.
Where our most notable capacity is the skill with which we turn on each other with precision, clarity and determination - my brother is my enemy.
Where a white and gold Jabulani with erratic trajectory eroded all boundaries and differences between us...briefly.

If I was in my head we would discuss;
• Unsustainable African regimes and policies.
• Insecurity for and violence against the poor disempowered and displaced.
• The cultural creation of identity and belonging.
• Xenophobia, integration programmes for displaced persons.
• Football and survival.
Mercifully... (Merci!) I am in my hand... not my head.

With thanks to:
• Julian Leon
• Dominique Jossie
• Lodi Paul Inga
• Africa Centre
• Spier contemporary 2010
• And Du plexus Film

Exhibition opening at Alliance Française of Cape Town
10th August @ 18h30 Until 29th August 2010

Contacts: +27 84825 4064
+27 21423 5699
Email: mauricembikayi@gmail.com

" MWENDO" (Distant relationships) Perfomed at Riebeek Kasteel,Western Cape in collaboration with Leán Coetzer

Performance at Riebeek Kasteel Exhibition, title of the work: “Minky Mwendo” (Distant Relationships), July 2010- At Mullineux Family Wines Cellar Riebeek kasteel)
-Group show Featuring artists: - Maurice mbikayi, Jacques Coetzer, Leán Coetzer, Philippe Kayumba, Christiaan Conradie,Tamlin Blake,Greta McMahon and Loni Drager.
-Performance in collaboration with Leán Coetzer

Performance:"Healing": Festival of Cultural Diversity at Khayelitsha/Cape Town in collaboration with Lodi Paul Inga

PERFORMEANCE FOR ”THE FESTIVAL OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY” at KHAYELITSHA, June 2010), organized by the UNHCR, the City of Cape Town, and the Cape Town Refugee Centre, to foster cultural Diversity at Khayelitsha. Artists from divers culture and country perform. , in conjunction with FIFA World Cup 2010-SA

Collaboration with Lodi Paul INGA (Musician/Song writer & Graphic Designer)

Spier Contemporary 2010 Biennial: A Public Performance outside The City Hall- Cape Town, in collaboration with Dominique Jossie