THE CASSPIR PROJECT
An unprecedented undertaking comprised of multi-faceted installation, photography, oral history, and documentary.
THE VEHICLE
The central element of the project is one of reclamation. The restored and refitted Casspir vehicle, its surfaces fully covered in elaborate, brightly-colored panels of glass beadwork, arrayed in traditional patterns was completed by artisans from Zimbabwe and the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, including women of the Ndebele tribe, known for their craftsmanship.
The βCasspirβ series, captured in Kliptown, South Africa is a cinematic portrayal of the Casspir vehicle in stunning and terrifying use. This series of photographs also feature the regalia textiles and the AK-47 beaded sculpture.Β
The UN estimates that there are more than five hundred million small arms in circulation around the world. More than seventy million of those are estimated to be AK 47βs.
Ninety percent of all casualties in wars around the world are caused by small arms.
Eighty percent of those killed are civilians.
The textiles of the Casspir Project showcase the work produced by a network of artisans that developed into the colaborative backbone of the project.Β
This 20-minute documentary on The Casspir Project includes historical footage, as well as personal interviews with South Africans about their experiences during apartheid. The film shows viewers how Ziman worked with South African artisans on beading the Casspir, and reveals the emotional impact of transforming an object of fear into an object of beauty. For more information about screening events and opportunities, please contact Programming DirectorΒ Cindy Schwarzstein.
ARTISANS & COLLABORATORS
Ralph Ziman | Artist
The Casspir Project, South Africa / SPOEK 1
Thenjiwe Pretty Chinedo | Artisan
Bowasi Manzvenga | Artisan
Kennedy Mwashusha | Artisan
Lenon Tinarwo | Artisan
Panghanai Phiri | Artisan
Telmore Masangudza | Artisan
Livingstone Dombodzvuku | Artisan
Anointed Hands Collective
Florence Gwala | Artisan
Xavier Khumalo | Artisan
Thandani Mthabela | Artisan
Sthokozile Mdletshe | Artisan
Emma Mahlangu | Artisan
Claire Rousell | Wardrobe / Boitumelo Sewing Group
Nic Hofmeyr | Photography
Tendeka Matatu | Producer
The Kliptown Series /
The Casspir Project Photography
Nic Hofmeyr | Photography
Jewels Satterfield| Production, Assistant Director
Chantel Carter | Art Direction
Sheli Masondo | Wardrobe, Costumes
Cooper Masondo| Gaffer
Claire Rousell | Wardrobe, Regalia
Bowasi Manzvenga | Artisan
Kennedy Mwashusha | Artisan
Lenon Tinarwo | Artisan
Panghanai Phiri | Artisan
Telmore Masangudza | Artisan
Livingstone Dombodzvuku | Artisan
Duncan Tilley| Camera Assistant
Max Ziman | Camera & Drone Operator
George Ramosine | Sound Recordist
Kate Pollecut | Model
Paul Gobo | Unit Manager
Paul Murphy | Medic
Musa Nhleko | 3rd Assistant Director
Ntuthuko Sibaja | 4th Assistant Director
Tebogo Makwala | Art Department
Erasmus Xaba | Art Department
Thubi Khuzwayo | Art Department
Vusi Stemela
Mveleli Mhamanzana
The Residents of Kliptown Soweto
The Casspir Project Documentary
Nic Hofmeyr | Director, Cinematographer
Tendeka Matatu | Producer
Jewels Satterfield| Assistant Director
Max Ziman | Camera & Drone Operator
Stevie George | Camera Operator
Ivan Millborough | Drone Operator
Cooper Masondo| Gaffer
George Ramosine | Sound
Sibusiso Zulu | Sound
Duncan Tilley | Camera & Sound Assistant
Colbert Johnes | Camera & Sound Assistant
Joey Breese | Editor
Tshepo Mosoeu | 2nd Assistant Director
Kennedy Mwashusha | Talent
Bowasi Manzvenga | Casspir Driver
Telmore Masangudza | Casspir Driver
The Residents of Kliptown Soweto
Ten10 Films
Uhuru Productions
The Casspir Project, USA
Cindy Schwarzstein | Executive Director
Michelle Homami Couto| Director, Operations
& Exhibitions
Nick Bonamy | Project Manager
DT Gruelle | Logistics Partner
Paul Duran-Lemos | Multimedia Specialist
Max Ziman | Production & Logistics
Francesca Quintano | Fabrication Assistant
Sam Richardson | Studio Assistant
Dorian Gonzalez | Studio Assistant
JD Smith | Mechanic, Driver
Angela Townsend | Social Media
Suzanne Walsh | Web & Graphic Design
Jennifer Davis | Exhibition Design
Carl Grant | Metal Work
Bret Casady | Driver
Lainya ManaΓ±a | A&O Public Relations
Madison Fishman | A&O Public Relations
Elisa Smilovitz | A&O Public Relations
DTCare
DTGruelle | Logistics Partner
Marco Gruelle | DTGruelle & DTCare
James Thornton | DTGruelle & DTCare
Judith Thompson | DTGruelle & DTCare
Maria Greenshields-Ziman
William P. Jacobson, ESQAttorney