Beverley Price

Posted on September 5, 2013 by aurumeve in Pan Africa // 6 Comments

Beverley Price is a jeweler, sculptor and political activist from Johannesburg, South Africa.

From the start, Beverley’s artistic mission has been to create art that conveys value without the use of traditional precious metals and gems -with a distinct South African flavor. She uses aluminum and found local objects as an effective way to infuse an authentic South African feel and perspective into her work.

Her work is striking by (of many) two accounts: it is simply beautiful on its own –but the juxtaposition of the modest framing with the intuitively/historically strong and significant images embraces you on an experiential level. By pulling from historically influential activists, icons and artists with ties to South Africa such as Frida Khalo, Monika Sing-Lee and Nelson Mandela, Beverley inspires and reminds us that we are our past and we are our future.

Among her more popular sources, Beverley uses many images from DRUM Magazine, described as “the first black lifestyle magazine in Africa” – a groundbreaking magazine which began in the early 1950s aimed at black South African life. The magazine was one of hope, culture and a new path for South Africans who were against apartheid and working towards a mutually dignified and equal South Africa.

As we looked into Beverley‘s work, we couldn’t help but become enthralled in the history of DRUM Magazine, its achievements and its influence – couldn’t help but dig deeper into learning more about Mandela and let his life serve as inspiration and motivation for us- and in the middle of all that – couldn’t help but smile as we realized that we were examples of what Beverley is working to accomplish : inspiration, knowledge and participation in our own worlds – and in the worlds of our brothers.

All images courtesy of Beverley Price.

ODOTMDOT aka FEW CHAINZ // September 9, 2013 at 2:36 PM // Reply

Beverley’s work has a great twist on popism. You can definitely get the flair of ” making it public makes it political ” vibe from the work. Also, the infused south african craft of the pieces add a great harmony between the drive of the work and the beauty of its history. Its the type of work you look at and say ” Damn! thats a dope concept, why didn’t i think of that!.” Shout out to Beverly Price for bringing fresh air to expression of culture and Shout out to #aurumeve for presenting it to the masses.

#steppingbacktoleapforward
#newrules

aurumeve // September 9, 2013 at 4:54 PM // Reply

Thank you! What inspires me so much about Beverley is exactly that! #steppingbacktoleapforward ! I also really love her choice of DRUM Magazine,not only because of all that it represented/represents – but also because while it has changed considerably, it has grown/evolved — much like we are all trying to do personally, spiritually, and together in this world!

Gayou Louisdhon // September 5, 2013 at 6:42 PM // Reply

It is a great concept to adorn ourselves with pieces that reminds us of our history! It invites a certain awareness to our legacy as humans living in our worldwide society. Interesting!