Talented South African artist Cow Mash has stepped out of her usual to do something that is a first in South Africa, a sculpture made from Modified Butter Spread for Stork.
South Africa (28 February 2025) — Known for her black-and-white artworks, Cow Mash, born Kgaogelo Mothepa Mashilo, has stepped out of her norm, adding the soft yellow hue of butter to her colour palette in honour of Stork’s newly launched modified butter spread, Stork Country Blend.
The talented artist accepted the challenge to create a contemporary, edible sculpture using the modified butter spread. She drew out her designs, drawing inspiration from her past and got to sculpting. The sculpture was recently unveiled at an intimate exhibition, where attendees could see and get a first taste of this marvellous artwork.
“When I received this brief from Stork, the biggest challenge was first thinking about colour and giving into working with different materials. I was actually stressed considering the temperature control needed with the material.” says Cow Mash.
But she pulled it off flawlessly, even going so far as to consider how people would consume the artwork – not just by viewing it, but by tasting it too.
With the sculpture resembling a bowl-like structure, the symbolism behind its shape was based on the idea that bowls symbolise a culture of sharing food within African homes during Mekete (gatherings) when celebrating and honouring tradition.
“I think a gathering of people consuming the work at first, sounded scary because I think an artwork is [generally] observed afar – if you break it, you pay for it. At first [the idea] was scary but because they’re going to eat the sculpture, I knew it’ll be gone. The [Country Blend] really just flows over a surface as you build up to it” says Cow Mash.
This sculpture is a first of its kind in South Africa. The beloved brand, Stork, has been in the homes of South Africans for over 75 years, so when it came time to launch something new, they thought outside the box.
Stork has been stirring creativity in the homes of many South Africans through delicious and marvellous creations, which is why this never-before challenge of reimagining luxury (edible) art was not surprising.
“Our brand has always stood for creativity and inspiration as with our previous campaign, so when we wanted to showcase the new Country Blends spreadability and luxurious nature, we wanted to do it in a novel way that speaks to the creativity that Stork has come to be known for.” says Danisa Parks-Kunene, Stork South Africa
Naturally, the team wanted an artist who could put the spread to the test; they knew Cow Mash would be the right artist for the challenge. Danisa goes on to explain that it’s Cow Mash’s desire to bring people together that made them sure she was the artist for them.
“When deciding on a collaborator who would showcase the smoothness and richness of Stork Country Blend, the talented Cow Mash instantly came to mind. She creates her art with a strong desire to bring people together but also being able to bring together an unpredictable and difficult medium to create art which she’s never explored.”
The sculpture was a big success, and with it surrounded by delicious chunks of bread, it wasn’t long before patrons of the exhibition dipped into the spreadable artwork.
Speaking on the success of the sculpture, Cow Mash ends in saying, “there’s a beauty to a gathering of people coming together to consume a labour of love. A narrative of love that is reflected in this community – coming and feeling warmth by eating what is essentially a sculpture.”
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