The pandemic has affected traditional funerals and memorial services. So to help people grieve Cape Town artists wants to help people remember their loved ones through customised artworks.
The Koena Art Institute in Observatory is launching the Legacy Project which helps individuals remember their lost relatives through art.
Lukretia Booysen, founder and owner of the Koena Art Institute, said the pandemic has impacted memorial services and funerals and the Legacy Project would help those who have lost their loved ones keep their memories alive.
The project is commission- based and allows clients to submit images of their lost loved ones that will be turned into customised artworks. Some of the art forms available include paintings, sculptures and illustrations.
The artworks will be created by various artists that are registered with the Koena Art Institute, and on completion, clients will receive the finished pieces.
The project aims to assist struggling artists, said Booysen who was inspired to start the project after the passing of her grandfather died last year.
“We were unable to give him a dignified send-off. It all happened so fast and our family had to rush through saying our goodbyes,” she said.
She added: “That experience was felt by millions and continues to this date due to the pandemic.”
Over the last 18 months, the arts has suffered and many artist are struggling to make a living.
Booysen said she was affected from the onset of the pandemic when the gallery had to shut its doors.
“The effects are even worse for the marginalized and full-time artists who are not necessarily known, well connected or have access to the market,” Booysen said.
The Koena Art Institute is a non-profit company that celebrates and preserves Khoisan and Khoena heritage and identity. The Legacy Project honours this in ensuring that people continue to commemorate and honour the legacy of those who have passed.
“Legacy expresses that life mattered. It expresses meaning and purpose. It is passed from one generation to the next,” Booysen said.
She added: “We live in a time where we are forced to let go of loved ones so abruptly. Now their legacy is of utmost importance to the ones they love and deserve to be honoured.”
The Legacy Project will launch on Monday, August 31. Prices for commissioned artworks will start at R600 and will vary depending on the size of the artwork, and art form.
To commission a piece or register as an artist at the Koena Art Institute email [email protected]