Socially Conscious Design – The New Narrative
Taking up design as a career choice is a daunting task. Regardless of how creative you may consider yourself to be, the reality is that the industry is filled with so much talent that isn’t necessarily absorbed by your traditional agencies. The socio-economic realities of our times drive most young designers to seek work rather than create it for themselves. But there’s a new generation of creatives, an army of visual storytellers that use their immediate surroundings and life experiences to market their skills, primarily using exhibition spaces and online spaces like Instagram, Behance and Facebook. If you ask me about current trends, I’d have to put myself in the shoes of so many of my peers, but here are few. Ruramai Mesikiwa – Her Sibahle campaign is a celebration of our individuality and African beauty through a poster series and the overarching message is one of self-love. This project is an extension of her perspective, a view from a (relatively) young African woman’s vantage point. Rendani Nemakhavani – 30 Days and a City is a collaborative multi-medium urban art project, curated by Rendani “Missblacdropp” Nemakhavhani in collaboration with Studio-X Johannesburg. This exhibition consists of a series of artists who were asked to document the city as they see it. Thus, it presents emerging representations of Johannesburg that challenge dystopian representations of everyday life in Johannesburg. Her work is a reflection of how she experiences Jozi and her illustrations reference things like hairstyles, phrases she’s heard, the mini-bus taxi lifestyle and street names. David Tshabalala – Run The World. During Womens Month, I illustrated 31 Women, 1 illustration per day, over the course of the entire month of August. These are a combination of women I’ve met and they’ve left me inspired after our conversations about projects that they are busy with. I follow them closely on digital platforms and I feed off their energy through their respective blogs and I enjoy the content they share and create. The project was birthed to exist exclusively on Instagram, honouring young women who carry a beacon of inspiration in their respective walks of life. Bringing the campaign to the public space by means of exhibition serves to physically share in the glory of the women profiled as well as paying homage to them. Modise Sepeng -Founded by graphic designer, art director and founder of Negritude Republic Modise BlackDice Sepeng and Creative director of Kala/Mine Productions, Banele P. Mtebele. “I Beg to differ” is a digital documentary that profiles extraordinary African creatives who are influential, inspirational, determined & persevere to live their dreams despite all the odds against them. Myself, Rendani Nemakhavani,...
Bongeziwe is bringing ‘Umlilo’ to BushFire
Represent chats to one of South Africa’s renowned artists Bongeziwe Mabandla, check out how our conversation went down below You’ve recently done a collab show with another SA’s finest, your good friend Nakhane Toure, how was the whole experience for you? Nakhane is a very talented musician so it was incredible to finally share the stage with him. We had been discussing the show for a while and the time became right. The show was great so it was just a great night. How did it feel to play your new songs to a crowd that likes your artistry and music? It’s hard because you worry if people get what you trying to bring. But I have been having a good time bringing new songs. It seemed like an impossible task in the beginning but I’m getting comfortable with the songs. I even have favorites now. I think I had to basically think very different for these songs they didn’t come easily but I enjoyed the process. Since your first album have you been collaborating with artist such as Joss Stone and Vieux Farka Toure on stages, any exciting in studio collaborations we may not know of or up-coming? I have some new collaboration but I rather you check on the album, collaborations can be difficult and you want to make sure everything is finalized before announcing but yes there are some collabations I’m writing and working on. Do you regard yourself as under rated as many would say when describing your artistry? I suppose but I guess I’m a little bit comfortable with that view. I don’t see my self as underrated I feel blessed and fortunate to be living my dream. From a theme and lyrics point of view, how’s the second album different from the first one? This album is definitely a more mature look at life, I went through so many things after the release of my new album. It’s about hope, rebuilding but more spiritual and more honest. You were announced as one of the South African artist to perform at the much anticipated BushFire festival, what was going through your mind when you received the news? I thought at long last because I had been applying every year to Bushfire. It’s always been a dream to me, so it’s just such a wonderful time to see it happen. I’m very very excited. You have played at festivals around the country and world wild with an upcoming Us and Canada tour in the ranks, do you anticipate this festival (Bush fire) which is closer to home to be different from the others? I...
A beginners guide to starting your very own veggie patch
By Angelique Redmond There are a multitude of reasons to start a veggie patch, but the one that stands out for me is the idea of fresh, crunchy vegetables that you didn’t have to buy from the shop. So, not only will you save yourself some money, but it’s a great activity for the whole family to get involved in! The old adage goes, ‘You are what you eat’ so why not eat the freshest vegetables around? Getting started Step 1 is quite simple; plot the space you will need for your vegetable patch. Will you be growing it outside in your garden, in a window box or tub? The perfect size for a vegetable patch is roughly 4 square feet or 0.3 meters. Step 2 is where you take a look at what type of soil you are working with. You need to know what type of soil you currently have and what the PH balance of the soil is, neutral is generally a PH of 7, but vegetables grow best in slightly acidic soil with a PH balance of 6.5. If you’re not sure, you can always pick up a soil test kit from a reputable gardening store. If you can’t find a soil test kit here’s two quick ways to test your soil using household ingredients: Scoop some soil into a container. Then, add a half-cup of vinegar. If the soil bubbles or fizzes, it’s alkaline. If there’s no reaction, scoop a fresh soil sample into a second container. Add a half-cup of water and mix. Then, add a half-cup of baking soda. If the soil bubbles or fizzes the soil is highly acidic. If your soil is too acidic you can adjust it with finely ground chalk or limestone often referred to as garden lime, which will raise the PH. Other common soil problems could be sandy soil or soil high in clay, or a patch that doesn’t drain well. To check for drainage issues, water your patch and then check it the next day, if the water is still there, the patch has poor drainage, which is not ideal for a vegetable garden. One thing you can do is add sand to the soil to improve the drainage. What should you grow? Step 3: Deciding what to grow can be quite the process. When I first started my vegetable patch I was quite overwhelmed with all the choices and had to be quite strict and limit myself, or I would have ended up with a vegetable back yard instead of a garden! Decide what you really like and what you will use daily or...
Woza Sisi Exhibition in Collaboration with DOPEstore
Woza Sisi is an ongoing body of work that explores a group of women working as street hairstylists at Kerk Street market, in Johannesburg CBD. Woza Sisi has collaborated with DOPEstore as part of a series of cultural monthly events hosted at the concept store to develop visual arts within the fashion sector. DOPE, which is an acronym for Designer Original Products Enterprise, is a retail store that was founded by Andile Cele in 2009. The store offers premium designed products. DOPEstore strives to work with different creatives in the fields of art, fashion and music. “We feel that art plays a vital role, and its a medium that hasn’t been exploited enough within the youth culture” says Andile. These series of events are aimed at celebrating art, fashion and music. “We are excited to collaborate with young brands or artists in the scene”. DOPEstore feels that Woza Sisi will appeal to their clientele. It exposes hardworking women who execute artistry in a form of hairstyles daily. “Their contribution to street culture is overlooked”. The photography exhibition will also launch Woza Sisi merchandise to be revealed on the opening night, which will be available at the store throughout the duration of the exhibition. Also, two guests will have an opportunity to have their hair styled by one of the street hairstylists who participated in the project. Opening Thursday 5 March 2015 7pm – 10pm 6 March – 31 March 2015 DOPEstore 95 Commissioner Street Marshalltown Johannesburg...
Project Maboneng: Street Festival to celebrate the expansion of the precinct
With what seems to be one of the most exciting developments in downtown Johannesburg over the past few years, the Maboneng Precinct has clearly made an impression in the hearts of young people, attracting all ages, races and ethnic groups to its streets. From trendy themed restaurants and office space to lodging, fashion stores and even a new age cinema, the precinct is one of the coolest hubs in the inner city. And in celebration of the recent expansion of the Maboneng Precinct in downtown Johannesburg, the managing and social committee has decided to launch the exciting project with a massive hip-hop street festival. Aptly named ‘PROJECT MABONENG’ the fest will feature local and international talent and will take place later this month. With a huge local line-line-up of the best of SA hip-hop, PROJECT MABONENG will also feature a powerhouse international headliner to be announced next week. The street themed festival hopes to attract a mixed crowd further encouraging and supporting the development and infrastructure of the Maboneng precinct and the inner-city as a whole. PROJECT MABONENG LINE UP: Cassper Nyovest Ifani Okmalukoolkat Riky Rick Kid X Kwesta Milkshake, Dimplez and Vigi Twins on Decks Speedsta Sphe and Naves Hiphop artist, entrepreneur and concert organizer George Avakian stated that PROJECT MABONENG will feature some of SA’s hip hop royalty, in addition to an infamous international outfit which aims to attracts over 5 000 people. ‘We are so excited to launch the new inner-city development with a mass celebration of this kind. We hope to attract even more people to come experience the vibrancy of the precinct for themselves, and what better way to do it than with a street festival.’ Doors open at midday while the 12-hour street festival experience will cost R325 per person. A convenient ‘Park & Ride service will be available to and from the Joburg stadium and is included in the ticket price. Limited tickets go on sale this week at TicketPro (www.Ticketpro.co.za)....
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