Art trunks

November 26, 2025

Video by NM Studio

Nelson Makamo, MaXhosa Africa & Fieldbar collaborate to create exclusive art trunks for Ubuntu Pathways Gala 2024

A landmark collaboration uniting South African artistry, design, and purpose, raising R300,000 to support community upliftment in Gqeberha.

In a powerful celebration of South African creativity and collective impact, internationally acclaimed artist Nelson Makamo collaborated with luxury fashion house MaXhosa Africa and lifestyle design brand Fieldbar to create two exclusive, hand-painted Fieldbar Gin Trunks for the Ubuntu Pathways Gala Dinner 2024.

Designed and hand-painted as one-of-a-kind collectible pieces, the trunks represent an intersection of art, heritage, and craftsmanship, symbolising a shared commitment to social transformation. Each trunk blends Makamo’s emotive visual language with MaXhosa’s iconic patterns, brought to life through Fieldbar’s meticulously crafted canvas.

Photography by NM Studio

"a powerful celebration of South African creativity and collective impact"

The limited artworks were auctioned for a combined R300,000, with all proceeds benefiting Ubuntu Pathways, a globally respected non-profit organisation delivering high-impact education, health, and social support to vulnerable children and families in Gqeberha.

Ubuntu Pathways continues to transform lives through a holistic model that ensures children are supported from cradle to career. The funds raised through this collaboration will directly support programmes that provide healthcare, counselling, education, and safe community structures.

Fieldbar, known for its design-driven cooler and lifestyle products, provided the structural foundation for the collaboration, turning functional design into an artistic vessel for social good.

Artistic significance

Two fully hand-painted, co-designed Fieldbar Gin Trunks
Artwork combines Makamo’s signature portraiture with MaXhosa’s textile-inspired motifs
Exclusive, non-replicable collectible pieces
Certified collaboration authorised by all three creative houses
Created exclusively for the 2024 Ubuntu Pathways Gala Dinner

Impact

R300,000 raised for Ubuntu Pathways funds support programmes in:

early childhood development
maternal healthcare
schooling and tutoring
psychosocial support
career readiness and skills development

Contribution directly benefits the community of Gqeberha, South Africa

Makamo in Motion

A collaboration to shape culture

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