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r1. / contemporary / geometric / design / street art
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These selected works represent a diverse collection of commissioned, independent, and community-based projects I've been involved with over the years. The pieces range from ephemeral art installations to permanent, funded artworks installed throughout the city. Included are 'making of' videos, publications, and archival works that illustrate my creative journey. Together, these selections provide a comprehensive overview of my artistic output over time.
Public works
Video
This work is one of my my largest public art installation. 172 chromadek plates installed onto a corner wall at August House in Jozi CBD. It took me 4 days to install and I drilled 688 holes. The size is 23 meters high by 6 meters wide. One of the key aspect I love about the work is due to its placement on the corner wall, creates a 3D like effect. It makes the artwork seem to pop out of the building, creating a sculptural-like mural. Filmed / Edited and created by r1.
The work is made out of 100 colored chevron street signs that forms one singular mandala. The artwork has been placed at n T-junction. When cars drive pass, it illuminates at night. / Dimensions 5mX5m / / Videographer: Jabulani Khwela / Edited by r1. / Created by r1.
The following installation is part of an exhibition piece for the Urban Art Biennale in Germany. The festival celebrates numerous street artists from across the globe.. The two panels took two days to complete and I use more than 1500 meters of barrier tape. Filmed / Edited and created by r1.
This video is a collaborative work between r1. and film director Harold Holsher. It is based on r1.’s public art piece ‘Hidden Trophy’ located in central Johannesburg city. The pattern of the artwork hides the shape of a blue wildebeest’s head, a distinctive African antelope known for its spectacular annual migration. All these elements combine in this piece by means of subtle metaphoric representations, channeled through the 'vision' of the artist as he journeys into the city night. Credits follow link https://vimeo.com/144520396
Archives
The following urban interventions & community projects formed part of my earlier journeys into street art (2011-2018). These spontaneous self funded pieces act independent from any art-establishment and is part of my personal creative exploration in the 'making' of art in the city streets.​
"Working with processes of transformation, replacement and motion, my role as an artist is that of a mediator. My work subtly changes the city streets to create a dialogue and interactions between the environment and our experience of it. The artworks take ownership and manipulate city spaces, opening new relationships with daily familiarity. The end result carries conversations, becoming a fragment of the ever changing city’s history".
Publications
Street Craft / Thames & Hudson Publication
Street Art / TANA Publication
Community Projects
The iThemba Tower project is a 20 meter-high permanent art installation that was created with over 7,000 recycled plastic bottles on a redundant communication tower in Troyeville, Johannesburg. The project involved schools and waste collectors in collecting the bottles and filling each one with a "message in a bottle". The project raised recycling awareness workshops and activities, the theme of the messages was to write a message of hope. 'iThemba' is a isiZulu word that means trust or hope. This project supported local community and raised the iThemba Tower, a public art monument, a symbolic communication tower around which a diversity of people shared their collective hopes. The 20 meter-high installation has become a landmark and symbol of inspiration. ​Project Director, Producer & Creator: r1. / 2016/17. Film videographer & director: Frans Borman / Funded by BASA, NAC & ENVASS.
Brothers in Benches
I was asked to take part in a residence program in down-town Johannesburg (Maboneng). The aim of the project was to solve issues within the city in a creative way; to come up with innovative ideas and solutions that positively contribute to the community in an artistic way. I collaborated with Sam, a local informal upholstery coach maker. We developed 6 interchangeable movable benches that are made out of reclaimed wooden pallets. The benches were designed so they all interlock with one another as part of one singular structure. We placed them around down-town JHB at various locations and are intended for the public to engage with. / 2014