A spontaneous exploration of graffiti – here’s what we found
Graffiti artists are beautifying our streets with collaboration from homeowners to create beautiful open-air galleries in the city.
While driving to the office after a function last week, this reporter stopped to admire a pair of lion cubs adorning the wall of a house.
With a little time to spare, a random route was driven to see what other artworks could be found, and the rewards were plentiful.
The images shown here are from this drive and do not do justice to the vast array of street art out there but are a glimpse into some of the offerings available in this publication’s footprint.
ALSO READ: Graffiti Street Art
Street art has always been popular but in recent years a concerted effort has been made to not only beautify walls and buildings but to actively encourage and display public art.
Barbara McDonald, a Westdene resident had her wall improved in a collaboration with artists Drake, Riot and Hosh.
The gorgeous scape includes a rhino, bluebird and red-hot pokers and is part of a growing collection of art borne out of artists needing a surface to use and homeowners wanting to add something special to their homes and communities.
Individuals donate their walls and graffiti writers donate their time and materials to projects they feel are worth it. It’s a marvellous concept and one that should be actively encouraged.
ALSO READ: GALLERY: Graffiti – Rise of urban art expression in Johannesburg
This is not the type of graffiti that so many complain about, it’s not vandalism but a deliberate attempt to grow the city’s open-air galleries.
After doing a little research following the spontaneous drive around, we discovered a fantastic group who call themselves the Westdene Graffiti Project. Its aims are to ‘art-up’ the area in a responsible way and is worth a look up on Facebook.
ALSO READ: Local resident wins graffiti award
A busy member of the group is Eelco Meyjes who runs organised tours of the graffiti scene in the city, with bike rides or vehicle-driven ‘game drive’ style guided excursions in a special vehicle with high seating and open sides.
Meyies said, “We have some of the best graffiti writers in the world and some of them are receiving commissions from both local as well as international corporates, governments, education centres and private individuals.”
ALSO READ: British graffiti artist helps youngsters get creative at Kingston Frost Park
If you would like to learn more about this fascinating aspect of our city or book a tour, please contact Meyjes on 082 457 4936 or through his website.
ALSO READ: VIDEO: Graffiti, friend or foe?
