TREE HOUSE OF LIFE – South Africa 2023

A COMMUNITY PROJECT
IN BARKLY WEST, SOUTH AFRICA

"What do you wish for your life?"

was the question for the design of the community space on the wall in Barkly West. The question encouraged the participants to think and put something on the wall - something that gives hope - a wish that becomes visible. When I sat down with one of the ladies while sketching, I asked her about the wish she is sketching, she said „I drew ducks swimming on the ocean. They have no sorrows and no pain - I wanna be like them.“ Tears came to her eyes and I could only guess what this woman had experienced and what made up her wish. I encouraged her to go to the wall with the sketch and take the brush in her hand - so she painted her ducks on the wall and encouraged others to show their wishes. This community of women meets weekly in the centre we painted - they listen to each other, help each other and shape the neighbourhoods - it was an honour for us to meet them and to make their wishes visible with them.

It was an honor to meet the people there, to make art and become friends. We painted the wall of the BAF (Build A Future) Center and shot movies (that we will tell you about later). All the youth and adults on the photos are part of the center. BAF has committed itself to empower the children and youth of Barkly West, South Africa. It offers social programs that impacts the families and the community. The program develop the potential of the children and youth in order to become self-reliant.

We were able to experience how this community shapes the families and neighborhoods. And we became part of it during our time there. Welcomed like friends, danced and laughed together.

““Can I paint some more?! It’s so beautiful to paint!””

— said one of the women as she ran towards me with a radiant expression, a brush and a sketch of a flower in her hand.

Later I was told she never has a pen in her hand, let alone a brush, because she can't write. What a beautiful and special moment to see her with the brush - creating with her hands. However, today, she worked magic with her friends. We got to experience what this mural means to them, how they support each other, and work for the good of their families. We learned so much from them and laughed with them.