The SA Rooibos Council (SARC) has released a powerful video, where Rooibos tea leaves are skillfully scattered and moved on a light-box by hand to tell a story – similar to sand animation. The video is an immersive, nature-inspired installation which celebrates the strength of the country’s natural heritage and its people this Heritage Month.

A talented performance artist, who hails from Russia and loves the local brew, was commissioned by the SARC to create the piece of art.

The video has been long in the making, but almost wasn’t produced as the tea samples kept being sent back from Russia’s regimental customs department and only arrived in the country a few short weeks ago.  The artist, Anna Strelkova, says waiting on the parcel to arrive was a nail-biting experience, but that it has been an honour to be part of a project that aims to bring a nation closer together through their shared love of Rooibos.

“Sand animation is an art form somewhere between painting and animation. The same laws of composition, light and shade applies as with painting and drawing, but the main focus is on blending one image into another. Replacing sand with Rooibos tea creates a similar effect, but trying to get it to behave like sand is a bit trickier. I used my hands, brushes and a special pouring-technique to give shape to each impression. I always feel challenged when I work with a new medium. Rooibos’ vibrant, amber colour also makes for a beautiful visual experience, so I might just incorporate it more into my animations.”

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