THE rain and storm did not stop the Durban community from celebrating the launch of Dr Mary Lange and her team’s latest book Geomotional: geometric art past and present at the Durban Local History Museum on March 14.

The book is the culmination of an arts-for-social-change project initiated by Lange and her Durban team in July 2024 at the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town.

She said they collaborated with creatives from South Roots International, Kalahari, the Northern Cape, and peri-rural areas in the Western Cape, including Swellendam.

“The essence of this project, as well as the book, is that the geometric engravings of the San and Khoe from the past can serve as an exciting source of inspiration for contemporary and future creative work. The book was funded by The National Arts Council, PESP5, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in South Africa,” said Lange.

The MeL (Mentor, educate, Learn: Art, Culture, Heritage) team, led by Lange, commenced the launch with performances and personal reflections on their roles in the book.

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The guest speakers at the event were Bheki Dlamini, an educator in arts, culture, and drama from Burnwood Secondary School, and Thobela Ngidi, the district manager of Libraries for eThekwini.

Dlamini emphasised the essential role that the book Geomotional could play in revitalising the education system, particularly through the incorporation of visual literacy.

Ngidi was inspiring as she highlighted the various areas she had identified where the book Geomotional and the MeL performers could align with the city’s initiative to promote reading, local authors, multiple authors, and the inclusion of indigenous languages, specifically isiZulu, in literature.

Professor Lauren Dyll, from the Centre for Communication, Media and Society, UKZN, said, “Dr Lange has constructed a bridge between academic backgrounds and the creative space where mentors and participants have learnt so much from one another. This is how understanding and growth between cultures ought to occur.

“The work and study that Dr Lange and others like her have pursued throughout their lives can only positively manifest and resonate across all cultures.

“I encourage every teacher, mentor, facilitator, and passionate reader to acquire a copy of Geomotional Geometric Art: Past and Present and embark on a fascinating journey through the history and contemporary significance of one of our ancient South African cultures.”

The evening fittingly ended with much chatter and laughter over a sumptuous spread provided by Shona Seetahal of Westville’s Perfect Events.

There are limited hard copies of Geomotional: Geometric art Past and Present. There is the alternative of an e-version. For details email [email protected].

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