Nature is louder, Street Art
Venue: Rhodes Red Theatre
Next Tour: Wednesday 02 July 14:00
Review
By Konke Welaphi
The walk-through with Mook Lion not only opens us to a better understanding of the art scattered around the Makhanda streets, but it also invites a sense of connection with the work itself. Nature is louder sparks from the interplay between human life and nature – a holistic relationship rather than a separation. “Nature, like us as artists, can disturb the normal day-to-day life, such as this tree’s roots disrupting the sidewalk.”
Mook’s descriptions include insights into the history of graffiti and street art, relating this to the background and conception stories of the various murals. He explained how some of the pieces stem from creative inspiration and others from commercial pragmatism, like those customised towards attracting customers and clientele to local businesses. He has worked with several fellow artists to bring vibrancy to the town. NAF commissioned the team to create two large-scale murals for the past two years’ Festivals.
Mook spoke of the transitions of his life and work as a street artist. He has been charged with malicious damage to property in the past, as a result of this active, often unsanctioned use of public space through graffiti. “It is a culture I cannot just leave behind just because I have become more educated.” He moved to Makhanda after completing his Master’s in Fine Art at the Durban University of Technology. His practice-based research aimed at producing site-specific and socially conscious artwork in the public domain.
Currently, he collaborates with experienced artists and community members on projects aimed at making art with a combined social and cultural function, beautifying or repurposing disused space towards communicating with the public around social injustice and the importance of nature preservation. He also regularly paints commissioned murals with a variety of patrons, from private clients to corporations and film production companies.
