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Graffiti- Adding colour to our city
Graffiti- Adding colour to our city
This city is brutal and ugly and more than willing to give you an ass kicking if you drop your guard. But sometimes she flat out amazes. Recently I went hunting around her streets in search of what some deem vandalism and others art. Tucked away under bridges, stretching across alleyways and boldly decorating suburban walls are some awe inspiring examples of what can be done with nothing more than a humble spray can.
The Grey Scale store in Braamfontain caters to the needs of Johannesburg graffiti artists. They have a huge colour pallet of spray cans and can offer sage advice to beginners. Local artist Rasty owns and runs the shop. Work from him and his crew, Pressure Control Projects (PCP), can be found all over the city.
Some stunning examples of their work and the work of others can be found in the Melville suburbs, Emmarentia, Westdeen, New Town by the Market Theater, the train yard, and even atop some of the wits buildings.
However, all of these places pale in comparison to the collection under the N1 bridge. Just up the road from Bassline in town is a treasure trove of ascetic vibrancy. It's hard to believe let alone imagine how some of the works where even possible. Murals can stretch up to 3 stories along the side of bridge support columns. They are reflections of Johannesburg culture and to stumble upon them is a wondrous and unforgettable experience.
Searching out these places was manna for the soul. I couldn't help but gain a deep respect in the face of the skill and creativity of our local graffiti artists. It seems that many have transcended vandalism to a place where their work not only communicates culture but adds another layer of it to our lives.
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