Walking on Shells/Earth is Talking/Poisoning the Water

Serai Lobelo, Inter-disciplinary Artist

“In my study of climate change and justice, I took the position that African Indigenous Knowledge Systems play a crucial role in preserving heritage, meeting inter-generational responsibilities, and promoting innovation. The folkloric stories that depict nature illustrate how even the smallest creatures warn us about the harmful effects of human behaviour on the environment. Setswana culture emphasises the importance of looking not only up and around but also down. If you observe ants carrying objects in a particular direction, it's a clear sign that they are preparing for something. The use of fossil fuels and the contamination of water sources have a severe impact on informal areas, where the custodians of our cultures and traditions are being poisoned.”

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Serai Lobelo, born in 1982 in Bophuthatswana, is a creative director blending his commercial media background with a passion for preserving indigenous cultures through art. Beginning at the Mmabana Cultural Centre, he employs diverse mediums like drawings and pastels, exploring historical archives and indigenous knowledge. After freelancing and contributing to Business Day's Wanted (2011-2013), he founded Lobelo Creative Lab (2013-2020). Recently, he joined ART GUYS AFRICA, fostering collaborations at the nexus of strategy, technology, and Indigenous wisdom.

Instagram: @mr.sss_lives