MAMBOKADZI is a deck of playing cards re-imagined and presented as an interactive art exhibition exploring Bantu cultural symbols and femininity. Derived from the Shona word 'Mambokadzi' - meaning Queens - the playing card project was developed during the 2016 Faku'gesi African Innovation Festival. Through an integration of expertise in Graphic Design, Augmented Reality, Game Design and Interactive Arts, this project seeks to explore ideals of modern African art and gaming experiences. Launched during August 2016, it opened as an art exhibition on 27 August 2016 at the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct (Johannesburg, South Africa)
The project was initially a collective collaboration originally conceptualised, art directed and curated by Regina Kgatle, Vuyi Chaza & Mr MediaX. Project was also presented at the 2017 edition of the Museums & the Web Conference (MW17) in Cleveland, Ohio, USA