Artwork Rationale:

The first market most likely took place outside, as part of the African landscape. An open space that was part of the world, and open to all who came by it. In time, people would gather to it. In time the practice of gathering to the market, turned the
marketplace into a sacred place. A place where energy could be exchanged,
transformed. This practice birthed trade and an even greater force which became
economy. A marketplace is a sign of community, where people practice gathering.
Gathering is a timeless custom where individuals form a group, collecting,
sharing, and transferring, in a place of trade. The marketplace then is
naturally an open space, a world for dealings.

This open space attracts all kinds of lively characters setting the market abuzz with a wave of energy. It spurs to life everyday with trade inspiring all who come to it! The African market is not only colourful but energetic with the flow of economy. Africa has always been the source and melting pot where diverse cultures and people come together to form a model of humanity. The African marketplace is a fluid, vibrant dynamic place of gathering. The market represents the pulse, energy and life giving force that nurtures the rest of Africa. To represent the spirit of the vibrant marketplace, I created a pattern inspired by the African landscape. I am inspired by the natural paths-ways that lead us to places of gathering. The intention was to capture the flow and organic quality of gathering parts. The cycle of gathering is a symbol for transfer, ecology, life and energy. I wanted the pattern to feel as though it was moving and changing while being intrinsically African in nature.