Untitled (2014)

Sandile Radebe
perspex
Exhibition view: ‘Fresh Produce’

Artist’s Statement: “This ‘untitled’ piece is a further exploration of the language of graffiti morphing itself with its physical environment. In this case, the exploration is informed by the Turbine Art Fair’s ‘Fresh Produce’ brief that aimed at engaging the history of Newtown, which is informed by a history of forced removals and current reality of urban regeneration. The perspex blocks here signify the building/ construction that has taken place in this area over the years. Its transparent nature makes reference to an era of Johannesburg where building out of glass was common, connoting the opulence of Johannesburg derived from gold mining. Buildings like the former Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the now defunct Sun International Hotel as well as the current Johannesburg Road Agency building reflect this history of Johannesburg. The contour lines of Newtown that determine the elevation of these perspex blocks locates this piece site-specifically in Newtown where the Turbine Art Fair is now annually held.”