1.) What do you like about painting.
I've
always enjoyed painting in any medium. The best thing about painting
murals is that it creates a sense of ownership. Joburg's crime rate has
always been high and as a result people tend to lock themselves in and
are wary of their environment. I've found painting on the street breaks
down a lot of barriers. It's also extremely rewarding to be able to
create something on that scale and to have it seen on a daily basis.
2.) How did you learn to paint murals
Joburg
street artist Miss Propa got me into doing paste ups in 2011 which
graduated to using spray paint directly. I learnt the most about
painting from Tapz (Demolition Squad) whose years of experience and
fearless approach really boosted me as an artist.
3.) What inspires you?
Other artists mostly, animal rights activists, nature, documentaries.
4.) How did you get involved in the Mamelodi Project
I
got to know about Mamelodi through mutual friends In Johannesburg.
Fellow artist Reese Moonjava ended up living in Mamelodi for some time
to work on the project. His parents have done a lot for the Viva
Foundation, which is the orphanage in the area. Every year they invite
artists and musicians to take part in the Mamelodi Festival. We stay
over for the weekend and paint people's shacks. The idea is to turn the
informal settlement into a living art work. So far it has increased
tourism in the area, helping small businesses to grow and bringing
awareness to the fact that this isn't temporary dwelling for these
people and that the government needs to do more to improve their
facilities.
5.) What are you doing in Joburg now
I'm
working on a lot of different things at the moment. I'm based at Two By
Two Art Studio with my friend Tanner. We run a
small gallery in which we host exhibitions, performances and events for
young artists in Joburg. The adjoining art store supplies Ironlak spay
paint and various On The Run books and products. The main goal at the
moment is to get people to create more and to push ourselves as artists
too.
The stalking cat
Notre Dame estate
Thanks Fin
Be sure to check out Two by Two's facebook page https://www.facebook.
And also www.twobytwo.co.za
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