Sehlorana Kekana

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

My name is SEHLORANA MOLEBOGENG KEKANA. I feel it is important to tell you my name because very often, because of our gendered trauma, we find ourselves faceless, much like the thousands of bodies found voiceless and often lifeless. 

My name is SEHLORANA MOLEBOGENG KEKANA. When I was 16 and twice when I was 19 certain bodies showed me that my body did not matter. That I was as good as water to a thirsty body, food to a hungry body. Bodies put me on a plate and helped themselves to me. 

My name is SEHLORANA MOLEBOGENG KEKANA. This body of work is the scars my body kept, it is the frustration I feel channelled into a voice. It is not meant to be comfortable, because so many feminine and female bodies are uncomfortable to exist on a daily basis. 

My name is SEHLORANA MOLEBOGENG KEKANA. This is my once upon a time that keeps replaying itself as I try to heal and trust on a daily basis, but nonetheless a story that needs to be told because I know I am not alone in my trauma. 

My name is SEHLORANA MOLEBOGENG KEKANA. From an early age I had been overly sexualized and as a result sexually harassed at school. A place I ought to feel protected because of the numerous teachers watching over us, but I guess I can't expect much from an environment that reinforces patriarchy. 

My name is SEHLORANA MOLEBOGENG KEKANA. This body of work is my personal space. I'm anxious to share this work with you because I've let somebody into my personal space before and they made my personal space an unsafe space. 

My name is SEHLORANA MOLEBOGENG KEKANA. I hope this work can invoke as much anger and frustration as I feel deep inside. I hope this work can invoke the discomfort and paranoia that I feel walking in the street at any given moment. 

My name is SEHLORANA MOLEBOGENG KEKANA. I make work for the many that feel voiceless, the many that are left faceless. I make work to face myself, to see myself. Sometimes I see myself as an appetizer, starter, main-course or dessert. Sometimes I see myself as if I'm walking on the street naked, alone 

and ready for anybody to partake in the four-course meal. 

My name is SEHLORANA MOLEBOGEN KEKANA, and I feel unsafe.