These artists are making art and a difference.
Photo: visi.co.za
This week I came across three stories that made me take a second look. They are all about artists who are using their platforms to make a positive difference or highlight an unknown issue. I’ve included one inspiring quote from each story in the hope that you’ll be inspired to read further.
An artist and storyteller, Dr. Esther Mahlangu, began her artistic career more than 70 years ago painting traditional Ndebele designs on houses. Now she’s made a name for herself as a global pop icon brand.
“Our culture is good…… The children, the grandchildren must know which roots they are coming from. If the young children don’t learn from the elders, then everything will vanish.”
How do you encourage people to social distance on a bench? South African artist Baba Tjeko and Lauren Colin Mitchell have a creative idea. A clue – it involves “wet paint”.
“Through this mischievous placement of “wet paint” signs, people are encouraged to sit alongside, yet apart from each other – bringing to life the message of social distancing that is often easily forgotten.”
A new book, Afrosurf, co-published by Selema Masekela, sheds light on the surf culture that exists along Africa’s vast coastline. It also seeks to challenge popular surfing stereotypes and redefine and expand at how the world looks at African surf culture.
"My father [South African jazz legend Hugh Masekela]’s dying wish was that I continue his work in fostering people’s relationship with – and eagerness to explore – the continent of Africa. After his death [in 2018], I was trying to figure out how to unfold this legacy. Then I realised my way to do it was through surfing. We began a conversation about how the book could use surfing as a lens through which to showcase the beauty of Africa as a whole; to show these images and tell stories never told before.”
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