Healing Rhodes Park through art

By Busi Vilakazi

It has been two years since the gruesome double murder which saw two men lose their lives in Rhodes Park in Kensington.

Since then members of the community have been working together to reclaim the park and make it safe again.

Kensington resident Gail Wilson, who is an artist, will be hosting the The Land Never Forgets event as one of the initiatives to reclaim the park.

“It’s time to bring people back into the park. We need to heal, create happy memories, have fun and laughter and make new friends. We must bring the community together to enjoy our open spaces safely and freely,” said Wilson.

“We will also remember and honour those who were affected by the incident that took place on October 17 in 2015. We will burn incense throughout the day at the spot where the victims lost their lives,” said Wilson.

The EXPRESS reported in April this year that Judge Papi Mosopa sentenced Thabo Nkala‚ Edmore Ndlovu and Mduduzi Mathibela to two life sentences for rape, two more life sentences for murder and another 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery.

The The Land Never Forgets event will showcase land art which is a style of art using elements found in nature to build a sculpture that harmonises with a given location.

The process involves working totally within the environment, which means the work ultimately becomes subject to the forces that will alter or destroy it.

The event will take place in Rhodes Park on October 15 from 7am to 5pm.

Wilson said the event is open to anyone who would like to come and support.

“Pack a picnic basket, pile the family into the car and come and have some fun as artists create land art, sketch, paint and play – even a drumming circle or guitar will be welcome. We would like people to come to the park and be creative in whichever field they choose,” said Wilson.

The event is supported by Joburg City Parks, Kensington Residents and Ratepayers Association (KRRA), JoziLandArt, The Coloured Cube, Friends of Rhodes Park, Spaza Art Gallery, Rhodes Park Walkers, Rhodes Park Bowling Club and Ward 66 councillor Carlos da Rocha.

For more information contact Wilson 0824467283 or wilsongail60@yahoo.com

Guidelines for the event

Art requirement for the day

• Land art is art that responds directly to the environment or landscape in concept. It uses materials from that environment. For this event, residents can take their own materials as long as they are removed at the end of the day if they are not biodegradable.

• Sketchers and painters must take their own sketch pads or canvasses.

• Photographers are invited to capture as many images as possible. They are reminded to first seek permission when taking photos of persons in the park.

• All musicians will be welcomed. Anyone who plays the guitar, is part of a drum circle or plays bagpipes or any other instrument should come along.

Rules to adhere to:

• No damage is to be done to the environment.

• Land artists are reminded to avoid materials that can be destructive to the environment.

• Decide on either a temporary or permanent artwork. Wilson reminded artists that if materials need to be cleaned up after the event, they need to follow through with that. “Take full ethical responsibility for the habitat you’re engaging with,” said Wilson.

• There will be no selling of anything allowed; however, you can network.

• Clean up before you head home at the end of the day and make sure you have left nothing behind.

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