Lookbook: Tapestries by Athi-Patra Ruga

South African artist Athi-Patra Ruga might be better known for his performance pieces but he also creates exquisite tapestries.

The Cape Town-based artist Athi-Patra Ruga is well known for his outlandish performance art featuring fantastical characters, such as his ongoing series The Future White Women of Azania. Equally outlandish but lesser known are his exquisite tapestries that accompany his performances. 

The multicoloured medleys often depict characters and scenes that complement or continue storylines form his performance pieces. 

For the large-scale tapestries he not only employs the traditional materials of wool and thread but also unlikely ones such as artificial flowers and spray paint. 

Ruga recently spoke to Design Indaba about his work. Watch the five-minute video here

Watch the Talk with Athi-Patra Ruga