Revitalising and rejuvenating public art in Johannesburg's Inner City is a key initiative within the City of Johannesburg's Arts, Culture and Heritage restoration programme.â
Neo Ramushu, a member of the Spaza Arts Gallery team, reflects on the mixed emotions experienced during the restoration process. âIt was saddening to see the damage and the lack of care. Street dwellers, for whatever reason, chose to shelter by the artwork, often obscuring its beauty. Seeing some art pieces compromised was a disheartening experience.â Public art plays a crucial role in fostering a connection between people and their surroundings by offering historical and cultural insights.â
One of the notable pieces recently restored is the âMother and Childâ steel-welded sculpture, located on the pavement at 190-170 Lillian Ngoyi Street. Created by artists Simon Mthimkhulu, Ezekiel Budeli, and Tshidiso Makhete, this sculpture captures the unique experiences of commuters who have frequented the Bree Taxi Rank.
Mother and Child Statue (City of Johannesburg)
For Ramushu, the restoration of this monumental sculpture was deeply personal. âDuring the restoration, I was reminded of my late grandmother, whom I loved dearly. When she visited us in Soweto, we would collect her from Bree Street, and she would hold my hand as we walked to the Soweto taxis. This piece of art is particularly special to me.â
The creators of âMother and Childâ captured a narrative that resonates not only with Ramushu but with many others who have a connection to the Bree Taxi Rank. Public art connects with people in a special way, bringing memories to life and fostering a deeper appreciation for the artwork.
Another artist, Dionne Macdonald, who specializes in public mosaics, expressed her satisfaction with the newly restored mosaic pillars under the bridge at 15 Joe Slovo Drive in Doornfontein, âI had always wanted to restore these mosaic pillars. Thanks to the City for giving us the opportunity to be part of the inner-city regeneration," Macdonald said.
Mosaic pillars (James Delaney)
She and Eric Itzkin, the City of Johannesburgâs Deputy Director of Arts, Culture, and Heritage, discussed the restoration work, which included notable pieces like the Angel of the North, Jewel City Gateway Artwork, Resting Cows, and the giant S-Bend Transport mural on Louis Botha Avenueâ.
Restoring the Angel of the North (James Delaney)
Restoring Jewel City Gateway Artwork (James Delaney)
Itzkin emphasised the ongoing nature of the restoration programme: âWith more resources, a lot more can be done. Iâm looking forward to restoring even more pieces.â
To explore the cityâs public art collection, visit the Johannesburg Public Art Catalogue at https://arts-culture-heritage.joburg/johannesburg-public-art-catalogue to discover the beauty and significance of these artistic treasures that the City of Johannesburg offers.
Dr Karabo Semenya - August 2024