Contemporary Art of Eswatini!
Yebo is passionate about promoting the fine arts and enabling the growth of the creative economy! Yebo was established in 2010 by local artists Pete, Aleta and Dane Armstrong. The goal was to set up a contemporary art gallery that showcased the best of Swazi art and design, while breaking away from old-fashioned stereotypes of African art. Yebo works with talented professional and emerging artists in Swaziland, giving them the opportunity to gain wider domestic and international recognition. Their vision for the next five years is to focus on environmental and social challenges, using art as a tool to tackle issues including climate change, women’s rights and youth unemployment.
Exhibitions!
Yebo has curated 36 exhibitions to date, both locally and internationally, exploring themes including creative freedom of expression, spirituality, wildlife, the African state of mind and exploring Independence. All of these are online at www.yeboswaziland.com as it is important for the global market to view all the contemporary art being produced. A new Art for Sale page is coming in May.
“The Yebo team are extremely professional, honest and transparent, and the quality of the art always comes first regardless of local trends. The gallery is never satisfied with less than exceptional work and their artists are encouraged to go beyond their comfort zone, trying new techniques, and formats. The results are fresh, contemporary and full of energy. My experience dealing with Yebo Art Gallery has been inspiring and I cannot wait to see what’s in store for the future!” said Anna Ruth, Director of ÄkkiGalleria, Finland
Corporate Art!
Yebo supply corporate clients with professional art consultancy and bespoke artwork, including paintings, sculptures, installations and creative furniture. By investing in local talent and showcasing the best contemporary art in Swaziland, businesses can create a pleasant working environment that is attractive to both visitors and employees and also support artists growth. The US Embassy commissioned local artists to create work for their new embassy through Art In Embassies, as did MTN who commissioned work by 27 local artists for their new head office. Nandi Tapster is Yebo’s new marketing manager who will be promoting local artists in the corporate sector!
ArtReach!
Founded by Yebo in 2012, ArtReach is a separate non-profit organisation that runs creative projects around Swaziland working with local artists. They facilitate various initiatives such as murals, public art, skills training workshops, and creative development programs.. Yebo ArtReach offers a great avenue for those looking to channel resources to meaningful, fun and engaging community development initiatives. www.facebook.com/yeboartreach
Shop!
Yebo’s Art & Design shop is at the popular Swazi Candles Centre in Malkerns, shop has an amazing range of T-shirts, textiles, ceramics, cards, jewellery and home décor, all designed and made by
local artists and designers. There is also a small contemporary art gallery with prints, drawings, paintings and sculptures. Open 7 days a week from 8 – 5!
Yebo’s office/gallery & workshop goes green!
– Solar powered workshop
– Rain water harvesting
– Permaculture garden
– Recycling depot
– Sustainable sourcing of raw materials
Help for Artists!
Artists who wish to get free advice or show their work are always welcome to come visit. Yebo also has a free resource library for artists to use along with a small shop selling a full range of art materials. Artists can participate in exhibitions or have their work on show at their showroom or at the shop. Yebo also promotes artists work on social media and their website. For daily updates and news its recommended artists check www.facebook.com/yebodesigns ! They can also WhatsApp pictures to the curator Aleta Armstrong at 79025270.
Times promoting contemporary artists!
Every week there will be a page on contemporary artists, featuring their biography, photo and a selection of their work! This way the public can get better acquainted with what is happening in the contemporary art scene.