The Journey of Pumla captures the transformative journey of the women in PEN’s Ladies Arise programme. This artwork is a series of silhouettes depicting Pumla, symbolising both her personal story and the paths of each Ladies Arise beneficiary. The piece is composed of four wooden panels, each featuring a silhouette cut-out. In the furthest panel, the silhouette is small and facing downwards, representing the beginning of her journey. As the panels progress towards the viewer, the silhouette grows larger, lighter, and gradually begins to lift its head. By the final panel, Pumla stands tall, looking upwards in full bloom. The artwork embodies the concept that Pumla does not become someone entirely new. Instead, she awakens to her inner strength, courage, and power. Emerging from darkness into her own light, she fulfils her potential and transforms into the person she was always meant to be.
