Mohlakeng artist wins inaugural Art for Glass Graffiti competition

Talented Dbongz Mahlathi was announced as the winner of The Glass Recycling Company’s (TGRC) inaugural Art for Glass Graffiti competition.

Pre-empting this competition was the realisation that many individuals are keen to recycle, but often are not sure where to do so. For this reason, TGRC hosted the competition to draw Johannesburg residents’ attention to the numerous glass banks in the city.

The process saw the top three finalists having to paint various glass banks in Johannesburg. Their glass bank entries then went through a gruelling judging process.

The glass bank painted by Dbongz. Picture: Facebook

Second place was awarded to Durban resident the Damn Vandal and third place to admired artist Mars.

The competition concluded in July and called on graffiti artists to submit their art in order to stand a chance to paint their art and have it displayed on glass recycling banks in Johannesburg.

Dbongz, as he is known, is a self-taught, graffiti and street artist from Mohlakeng in the west of Johannesburg. He started participating in graffiti and street art in 2008, when he first came to the city to attend university.

He fell in love with the vibrance it provoked in mundane spaces, and is well-known for his large-scale portraits.

Picture: Supplied

CEO of The Glass Recycling Company, Shabeer Jhetam, commented on the process of selecting a winner. “It was not an easy task with so many talented graffiti artists entering the competition and a phenomenal line up of the three finalists.

“The artworks showcased by the finalists on our glass banks is incredible. To help us select the final winner, various criteria and factors were considered including use of colour, environmental consideration, overall likeability, creativity and technique.

“We are very happy with the decision we made and feel that Dbongz is a young artist who really understood the message that we need to get across. He showcased his talent and creativeness on the glass banks while making the purpose of a glass bank clear.

“The messaging and creativity portrayed on the glass banks will most definitely draw peoples’ attention and ensure more awareness of glass recycling.

Picture: Supplied

“The three finalists did amazing work and their art will inspire members of the community to recycle their glass bottles and jars.”

Not only is their art now showcased on glass banks in Joburg, but they also received cash prizes.

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Find a glass bank artwork – glass banks that have been painted include Bompas Road, Dunkeld; Corner Café, Craighall Park; Macy’s Spar in Alberton; Engen Garage on Malibongwe Drive; Caltex on Cedar Road in Fourways and Moyo at Zoo Lake.

Visit www.tgrc.co.za to find a glass bank near you.

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