The key rule of street art is that no wall’s design is untouchable. If you believe you can make a mural better, go ahead and add your mark. During the recent Israel-Palestine unrest, some local South African street artists did exactly this.
They modified murals, done by artists during previous International Public Arts Festivals (IPAF), to reflect their commentary. A Palestinian flag appeared in the tear-filled eye of a woman in a headscarf with her prayer beads. The artwork portraying green, white, black, and red tones representing the colours of the Palestinian flag.
IPAF Festival organiser and leader in transforming spaces through urban art, NPO Baz-Art, welcomes the evolution of the artworks, calling it inspiring.
“While we are a strictly apolitical and non-religious organisation, we welcome creativity and talent and we know the medium of street art is a powerful platform for activism,” says.
BAZ-ART CO-FOUNDER, ALEXANDRE TILMANS
“The murals are based in Salt River, the site of the IPAF. We have profound respect for this community and we know this was a cause close to some of their hearts. We consider the recent modifications as creative commentary on very serious events, which is the very essence of street art.”
Art as commentary
Tilmans adds that in recent times we’ve seen many movements sweep the world. “There’s an upsurge in activism, often driven by young people. We’re seeing more and more people use their voices to advocate for what they believe to be right. In the case of street art, people are using their talents and tools to make statements. Think about the recent ‘Mural of Marianne’ – named a symbol of France – which was ‘defaced’ with red tears in the recent Paris riots against the law preventing people from posting pictures of police on duty.
“Street art has always been a form of commentary – now more than ever. Art is a great democratiser. It’s something everyone can draw meaning from. It’s one of the best ways to share people’s stories. Yes, this can be polarising. It can also be unifying. It’s a means to start – and continue – a conversation.”
While art as activism is not new, Tilmans does wonder what the future of street art may look like. “Street art follows the rule of the jungle. Artists who believe they can do better can adapt or modify a wall. But of course, it would be considered ethical and professional to speak to the original artist. A bit like a DJ remixing a song. I think this medium has a pivotal role to play in empowering communities to express their values and issues. The Salt River murals are an ongoing dialogue. They evolve with each new artists’ input.
Ilukuluku Collective, IPAF 2021 participant, painted the words ‘All of us’ in bright colours at Salt River Circle. The mural was also recently defaced. Shaun Sebastian, founder of the collective says, the original intention of the piece was to speak to the local community. The mural was based on research dating back to 1501, relating to the indigenous Khoisan and Indians who came to cross the Spice Route.
“While we do realise that there are many broken situations when it comes to world politics and religion. Our message was never intended to be translated. We decided not to rectify the mural as we thought the community’s cry must be heard,” says Sebastian.
We’ve heard and respect the cry, and given it the airtime for it to have its voice. At some point we might refurbish the wall to its original state” concludes Sebastian.
Anthea Missy, an artist who participated in the IPAF 2018, created the “save our trees, save us“ mural to raise awareness around the responsibility to protect the environment as a natural space of health and nature and highlight the deforestation and protests in South Africa as part of the climate crisis.
“I believe the street is a public space that belongs to everyone. Given the purpose of art to express a certain time and perspective, I understand that some artists may use my works to express their opinion.”
The future of street art
Tilmans concludes, “Historians have found evidence of street art dating back to the 1st century B.C.E. with the Romans writing messages to each other on their walls. During the French Revolution, rebels defaced artworks to make a statement about the country’s hierarchical society. One side of the Berlin wall was full of vivid pictures, the other side bare concrete. The starkness was the statement. Most recently, the words ‘Black Lives Matter’ were sprayed on walls around the world – an anguished movement in memorial of George Floyd.
“Street art isn’t new. But, like the murals, the medium is evolving. The nature of activism is changing. And with it, the future of freedom of expression. It’s an interesting question to ask what street art will look like in another 10 to 50 years’ time. Will we be freer or less free to express ourselves? Will there be ‘digital defacing’ – for example, could there be a form of ‘street crypto art’ delivered via non-fungible tokens?
“Street art also comes with an interesting question of ownership. For example, Banksy’s art was removed from the wall and sold for six figures against the artist’s wishes. But how much ownership of the artwork did he really have given his canvas belonged to someone else? Part of the journey with this art is letting go. That includes accepting that someone else may modify your work. Their story becomes part of your story. It takes a certain humility to accept that.”
