A closer look at ‘Ubuhle Women,’ at the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum

The top left panel of the roughly 15 foot by 24 foot work shows a storm brewing, bringing the promise of both destruction and renewal. It’s symbolic of South Africa’s slow, often-violent move to democracy.

The “Tree of Destruction,” on the left, reflects the artists’ experiences before coming to Ubuhle. “There was devastation, no hope, AIDS, drought,” Gibson says. (You can see AIDS ribbons in the middle left panel.) It also represents Christ’s suffering.

Christ’s cross, in the center, is the “Tree of Sacrifice.” At its foot are Mary, Jesus’ mother, and John, one of his disciples. Before his death, Jesus told Mary and John to treat one another as mother and son. This moment has special resonance for the women of Ubuhle, Gibson says: because many of them have lost relatives to HIV/AIDS, they have formed blended families. The panel is the last major work of Thembani Ntobela, who died of AIDS-related causes soon after finishing the piece.

Immediately to the left of the cross is a rainbow, signifying the birth of democracy and the “rainbow nation” in South Africa. Immediately to the right are tears, signifying the country’s rough transition after the first elections.

The “Tree of Life,” on the right, is surrounded by native wildlife and plants symbolizing fruitfulness and prosperity. In the context of the crucifixion, it is Christ’s resurrection.

Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place SE; through Sept. 21, free; 202-633-4820.