Fathema Bemath
Fathema Bemath is a mother, entrepreneur, and sculptor. Hailing from Lenasia, Fathema’s experience of art was coloured by the insular community that she grew up in. Many in the community considered art to be an indulgence. It was frowned upon – viewed as anti-religious or subversive. However, her interest in the subject did not waver. To avoid an arranged marriage, Bemath decided to study dental technology – a field dominated by white men – and was unable to pursue her dream of a career in art. Even so, her affinity towards art thrived and, throughout her life, she dabbled in pottery, interior design, and drawing.
Eventually, through a creative collaboration
with the late Benon Lutaaya, Fathema found a kindred spirit. Within the intimate space of collaboration and seeing the world through the eyes of a fellow artist; her journey into a career in sculpting began to take shape. After having navigated systemic barriers to realising her dream, and balancing the world of motherhood and business, the calling
of a physical representation of her creative vision could no longer be ignored. Fathema Bemath was nominated in the Top20 for the Thami Mnyele Fine Art Award in 2021.
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