Bongiwe Mkhumbeni

This work is a part of a series of cyanotype prints titled ‘Rest - a response’ that capture a moment of rest, a pause in the relentless cycle of productivity. Each print features the imprint made by a young black woman recording their body in a state of rest and serving as a testament to their presence and their need for rest, reflection, and rejuvenation. This work seeks to honour their sacrifices and highlight the urgent need for reparations, not just in material terms, but also in terms of mental and emotional well-being. Ultimately, this work is a celebration of Black leisure, resilience, and the power of rest. It is a reminder that rest is not a luxury, but a necessary act of self-care and resistance.