Kopanang Universe Canticle
The internationally acclaimed artwork, The Kopanang Universe Canticle, is to be exhibited in the Curved Corridor at Santa Sabina College on Wednesday 20 November at 5:00pm.
All members of the College community are invited to view this stunning work and come on a journey with Sr Sheila Flynn OP who will explain the genesis and creation of the Canticle which marries religion, science and art in an experience not to be missed.
Led by our own Sr Sheila, the 31 embroidered panels were created by 17 women from the Kopanang Community Trust in South Africa and depict the story of cosmic evolution. The Canticle is not only a technical, creative and educational achievement but also is one of original invention as during the creative process the women invented several of their own stitches.
‘Women found their souls in the embroidery’, said Sr Sheila.
From creation through plankton to the stars to the emergence of modern human beings to oil spills and global warming, the panels feature delicate beading and hand-stitching on a black background.
A canticle is defined as a song of praise. The panels of the Kopanang Universe Canticle can be seen as colour songs. The women sang as they embroidered.
The Canticle has been exhibited to thousands across the USA, in South Africa as well as in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
For those unable to attend on 20 November, the Canticle will also be on display at the College’s Fra Angelico Festival on Friday 22 November from 5:00pm.
Santa Sabina College has supported the Kopanang project for the last 20 years. During that time our students have experienced life-transforming immersions in South Africa – working on this project as well as in the Dominican Montebello School in Kwa Zulu Natal.
