Myths, magic and mermaids at Phansi Museum
Peter Engblom returns to Phansi Museum with an exhibition of records and anecdotes of a fascinating trip he took through India in 2016.
AFTER a break of more than two years, the inimitable Peter Engblom returns to Durban and the Phansi Museum with an exhibition of records and anecdotes of a fascinating trip he took through India in 2016 and from where he brought back magical, virtual artefacts and myths that will baffle you, make you laugh, challenge you and make you wonder where the truth lies.
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Inspired by the inventor of all things wonderful, Dr Mpunzi Shezi, Peter has recreated a selection of the original Shezi fabrics using traditional block printing and starch resist on hand spun and hand woven cotton Khadi fabric. While the eco-friendly fabric was already known for its rugged texture, comfortable feel and ability to keep people warm in winter as well as cool in summer, its new-age reinterpretation as a modern yet quintessentially Indian textile has made it very appealing to the millennial generation.
A series of three dimensional Memory Boxes filled with objects, photographs and whatnot tell the stories about the Jewish contribution to Bollywood, Chef Shezi’s infamous banana cake, the Japanese contribution to the history of Vindaloo curry, his stint as a vibration healer and his contribution to development of mail rockets in the hill station of Ootomocond.
In addition, a few special pieces of retro furniture lovingly restored with hand block printed silkscreened and digitally printed Shezi mermaid and crow fabrics will be on display. A selection of Chilli Shrines pay tribute to Shezi’s virtuosity and skill. The shrines are planned constructions of magic and mysteries from the past and artefacts that changed history.
The exhibition opened on Saturday, 28 October. Contact the director, Sharon Crampton at 031 206 2889 or admin@phansi.com.
Phansi Museum is at 500 Esther Roberts Road, Glenwood.
