iMaid ka Lova ne Maid ye Nja (Lova's maid meets the Dog's maid),

2016

<p> Here, Magadlela stitched together squares of nylon and cotton cut from discarded pantyhose and stretched the resulting patchwork across a wooden frame. The different elasticities of the materials caused the seams of the patchwork to stretch and buckle, disrupting the otherwise orderly grid composition. The artist cut each square from the gusset, the area that covers where the legs and stocking meet. By isolating the most intimate area of these used garments, Magadlela emphasizes the symbolic association of nylons with social constructions of femininity, gendered identity, and sexuality. Nylon stockings conform to modern beauty standards while also regulating and concealing women’s bodies and skin color. In her work, Magadlela imbues abstract gestures like juxtaposed colors and grids with social and political resonance. </p>