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Billie Zangewa: Silk, stitches and feminism

Transforming raw silk into intricate collages and acts of feminism.

Internationally-acclaimed textile artist, Billie Zangewa calls her work “daily feminism”. Crafted in silk with thousands of tiny hand sewn stitches, her creations explore the themes of feminine strength and the power of family.

As part of the BBC's 100 Women season in 2021, In The Studio joins Billie at her kitchen table in Johannesburg as she creates her latest works - visions brought to life amid one of the harshest Covid lockdowns in the world, and riots that left hundreds dead. All the while, home-schooling her 8-year-old son at the same table.

Journalist Vauldi Carelse is invited into the Malawian-born artist’s home as she transforms raw silk into intricate tapestries for solo shows opening in Seoul and London this year.

Presented by Vauldi Carelse
Produced by Vauldi Carelse and Ella-mai Robey for the BBC World Service

Running Water, Lehmann Maupin, London – until 8 January 2022
Flesh and Blood, Lehmann Maupin, Seoul - 18 Nov 2021 to 15 January 2022

Available now

27 minutes

Last on

Sun 21 Nov 202119:32GMT
BBC World Service News Internet

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  • Tue 16 Nov 202104:32GMT
    BBC World Service except Australasia, East Asia & South Asia
  • Tue 16 Nov 202105:32GMT
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  • Tue 16 Nov 202123:32GMT
    BBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
  • Sun 21 Nov 202102:32GMT
    BBC World Service Australasia, South Asia & East Asia only
  • Sun 21 Nov 202119:32GMT
    BBC World Service News Internet