With increasing ecological changes, our planet is calling for humanity to reconnect with it. The needle and thread, a seemingly mundane human invention, is here being used to depict the human element. They call on humanity to repair the wounds we have inflicted on the earth. The viewer can imagine themselves compassionately stitching the earth together.

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Strijdom van der Merwe studied art at the University of Stellenbosch, Hooge School voor de Kunste (Netherlands), the Academy of Art and Architecture (Czech Republic) and the Kent Institute of Art and Design (UK).

Among the many accolades he has received are the Jackson Pollock Krasner Foundation grant, a Prince Claus Grant, and a medal of honour from the South African Academy of Arts and Science. He has also received numerous local and international awards for his work in public art and has held numerous solo and group exhibitions. His work has been bought by private and public collectors locally and abroad.

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