THE TWO BICYCLES OF SIPHO DLAMINI
IN PROGRESS // Inspired by an African folk tale, this work, part sculpture, part performance, tells the story of a rural African wedding held on two colorful, beaded bicycles.
THE TWO BICYCLES OF SIPHO DLAMINI
IN PROGRESS // Inspired by an African folk tale, this work, part sculpture, part performance, tells the story of a rural African wedding held on two colorful, beaded bicycles. The project was revealed at the inaugural The Art Parade at LACMA in June 2026, as the bride and groom walked through the parade in their elaborate handmade African-inspired costumes, each carrying one bicycle. Each bike has been hand-adorned with thousands of glass beads strung on wire, bead by bead, representing hundreds of hours of painstaking work. Truly a celebration of traditional South African beadwork, storytelling, and collaboration.
WEAPONS OF MASS PRODUCTION
The Weapons of Mass Production Trilogy is a 12-year project inspired by Ralph Ziman's experiences growing up in Apartheid South Africa. The series in its entirety addresses the impact of the arms trade on global conflicts and the continued militarization of police forces around the world, responding by turning symbols of oppression into works of art that inspire a reflection on history and current conflicts.
PHOTOGRAPHY
SCULPTURE
TEXTILES
EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS
The Casspir Project and other notable series by Ralph Ziman have been shown extensively throughout the world. Featuring elements of installation, photography, sculpture, and film, exhibitions are designed for community outreach and education, engaging visitors of all ages and expanding their understanding of global relationships both large and small.
MURALS & INSTALLATIONS
All of Ziman's work seeks to challenge the tragic clichΓ© of our times; a war-torn and violent Africa of militant and corrupt dictators, child soldiers, and unceasing civil wars fed by a growing international arms trade. Ralph Ziman has five public murals in the Venice Beach area as well as various sites internationally.
FILM
Ralph has directed over 400 videos for artists as diverse as Ozzy Osbourne, Toni Braxton, Rod Stewart, Michael Jackson, Shania Twain and Rick James, winning numerous MTV awards. His work in film includes over 6 features as a writer/director/producer includingΒ Hearts and Minds, the first independent South African feature film to be completed after apartheid, which premiered at the Berlin and Montreal International Film Festivals, and JerusalemaΒ (Gangsterβs ParadiseΒ in the US & UK), released to critical and box office acclaim and South Africaβs official entry to the 2008 Academy Awards Foreign Language section.Β