Google is celebrating International Women’s Day with (you guessed it) Doodles, but not just any Doodles.
“Last year Google celebrated the day with a Doodle honouring the female pioneers who’ve gotten us where we are today,” it writes in a release. But this year, it’s focussing on “the work of 12 extraordinary women artists”.
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“Specifically, each story represents a moment, person, or event that has impacted their lives as women. While each artist tells a unique story, the themes are universal, reminding us of how much we often have in common,” Google explains.
“We hope that the combined power of words and images help bring these stories to life in a way that invokes feelings of understanding, empathy, and spirit of the day.”
One of these artists stems from South Africa: Karabo Poppy Moletsane.
Based in Pretoria, Karabo Poppy’s work can be viewed publicly at the likes of the Nike Football Training Centre in Soweto, and Zoo Lake’s basketball courts. One piece has also been featured in JAIN’s dope music video for “Makeba”. But this internationally-viewable Google Doodle won’t be limited to the confines of Gauteng.
Dubbed “Ntsoaki’s Victory”, it’s a simple sliding GIF that tells a story of a woman, Ntsoaki, joining and successfully performing a male coming of age ritual.
It’s beautifully drawn, reminiscent of cave art and notably highlights how tenderness, fueled by audacity and confidence, can be more powerful than brute force ever could.
Karabo Poppy’s and GIFs from the 11 other women artists will be on rotation for the duration of the day on Google’s Search page.
Feature image: Google
