On World Environment Day 2020, we celebrate local artists who embrace sustainable practices.
South Africans have proven they possess the tools and tenacious attitude it takes to see opportunity in challenge. Time and time again, we see that challenges breed creativity, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the arts. On World Environment Day 2020, let’s take a moment to celebrate the artists who embrace sustainable practices in their response to the issues of the day.
The South African art scene is a rich and vibrant one that that draws both a local and international audience. Many artists from across the African continent have made their way to Johannesburg and Cape Town to pursue their careers, creating dynamic art hubs right on our doorstep. These hubs have played a vital role in developing the careers of individual artists and fostering an environment of creativity.
Part of this creativity can be seen in the many resourceful ways that these artists find to make art. Undeterred by limitations such as the expense of or access to traditional materials, our artists are finding ways to repurpose materials more than ever. Pair this with a strong understanding of materiality and traditional craft and you find artists repurposing unexpected materials. Either through design or necessity, they are spearheading the sustainable revolution. From Mncedi Madolo’s use of ragged street posters and advertising, to John Vusi Mfupi’s reuse of discarded magazines, to Maurice Mbekayi’s recycling of electronic waste and computer parts, and Hannelie Coetzee’s use of broken crockery to create public art, local artists strive to create, even when traditional fine art materials are not readily available, or perhaps despite them.
In the month of June, we celebrate the artists who are mindful of the impact of their art on the environment and who actively promote ideas of sustainability in their practice. We also acknowledge our clients who help us support them.
We deliver corporate art solutions for occupiers, developers, architects and private clients that are right for your brand, building and budget. Does your corporate art collection reflect the ingenuity and sustainability of South Africa’s most creative artists? Let us show you how our solutions inspire people and transform spaces, reflecting your corporate values and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for our world-class local talent. Let’s talk.
Hannelie Coetzee:
https://www.hanneliecoetzee.com/
Mncedi Madolo:
https://www.worldart.co.za/mncedi-madolo
Maurice Mbikayi:
Featured artwork: John Vusi Mfupi, The Water Carriers, magazine collage on paper, 2017
Image courtesy Exxaro Resources Corporate Art Collection