Celebrating women and public art in Newtown

In celebration of Women’s Month, various deteriorating signs in Newtown will be painted over with images of African women by local artists.

This will take place on 24 August and the public is invited to participate in a free, self-guided tour to view each sign as it is painted. At each location, participants will be invited to engage with topics on women, public art and Newtown.

The public is invited to participate in the free self-guided tour at any time between 10am and 3pm. Two guided tours will also be offered, departing at 11am and 1pm from the Brenda Fassie statue. The statue will soon be installed in a new location, and this tour and engagement is an opportunity for the public to share their views on where it should be moved.

According to the Johannesburg Development Agency, the Brenda Fassie statue is one of the few statues of real, historical women in Johannesburg. To expand on the number of historical female figures present in public art, the signs around Newtown will be painted with images of women. It must be noted that Johannesburg has more statues of women than many other major world cities, but the majority are anonymous figures representing an abstract concept, rather than real historical people.

This phenomenon in public art (women as representative figures, rather than individuals) will be one of the various topics of engagement around the tour.   Newtown has long been a place of gathering for social and political change. It has grown into a hub of cultural institutions and businesses focused on growing the creative and cultural soul of Johannesburg, and is now a place of artistic and creative expression known for its public art and heritage attractions. This live-painting tour and public engagement intends to continue that legacy.

Details: Visit Newtown Now on their facebook page, Newtown Now for more details.

Related Article: 

https://northeasterntribune.co.za/239770/arts-alive-festival-to-celebrate-culture-with-communities/