Voices of Joburg – Ryza, a graffiti artist in the city
JOBURG - City Buzz conveniently stumbled upon a graffiti artist doing his thing in Newtown and we just had to talk to him!
This artist was peacefully painting his Boss Fish on the corner of Henry Nxumalo and Gwigwi Mrewbi Street in Newtown – the lower half of the area where one can see all the creative works of art on the M1 bridge pillars and on the surrounding buildings.
City Buzz asked the man if we could record him completing his work and asked him a few questions, to which he replied, “Yes.”
He said his name was Ryza.
“I’ve been painting graffiti for almost 17 years now. I’ve been painting around Johannesburg and the Vaal, and also around Durban – basically in the cities,” he said.
He told City Buzz that he had a number of art pieces in the city, most of which were painted in Newtown.
The obvious question that pops into the mind of city visitors is whether these street art pieces are legal or not.
“I don’t do illegal graffiti because it’s just a waste of time and money – this is quite an expensive career,” he explained.
Illegal graffiti is quickly painted over and removed at the discretion of building owners and the municipality.
“I prefer to get permission from property owners and do my legal productions so that they can stay longer. What I do is really public art and not really graffiti intended to vandalise property – I respect people’s property. ”
This artist has a plan in motion and aims to let his art reflect his business.
“Well, I’ve been doing public art for a while and since 2010, I’ve had my own tattoo parlour – I’m a tattoo artist. I basically make my living off art, so what I’m doing here is trying to draw attention to the store and showcasing what I can do as a tattoo artist.”
He has tattooed the likes of Sammy Sosa of 5FM and local rap star, Reason.
Find his tattoo parlour, True Black Tattoos, on the corner of Ntemi Piliso and Carr streets in Newtown.
Details: 072 337 3340.
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