50 Artworks at MyCiTi stations

Mitchells Plain is the latest MyCiTi station to unveil its artwork – a collaborative effort by five local artists all with roots in the area.

The aptly named ‘Know Your Roots’ was created by Wayne Beukes (Conform), Maxwell Southgate (Mak1one), Tony Coetzee (Ice7), Andre Beukes (Drone) and Rayaan Cassiem (Rayzer).

Work began in August 2015 and the end product consists of wood-cut installations opposite the station, a collage of vinyl graphics and a mural. The art is a series of images depicting fictional characters who reflect the diversity of the people who live in Mitchells Plain.

Three of the artists have also created artwork for other MyCiTi stations; Conform at Turf Club and Circle East, Mak1one at Usasaza and Ice7 at Zoarvlei.

The artwork at Mitchells Plain station is part of an ongoing project by MyCiTi to commission art for the stations and their precincts based on local themes. In many parts of the world transport infrastructure is used to showcase the work of local artists and MyCiTi shares this tradition with other great transport systems including those in New York, London, Moscow and Sao Paulo.

Conform, who coordinated the Mitchells Plain art project, had this to say about the art:

Q: What is the meaning and inspiration behind your work?

A: The theme we were given by MyCiTi was ‘Know Your Roots’. My brother and I used to visit Town Centre as little boys and it is one of those iconic locations in Mitchells Plain. I remember it as a hub of exchanges and this is what we have tried to recreate with the fictional characters on the cut-outs that are installed opposite the station. Each artist created a character that they thought people could relate to when they pass through this hub.

Q: How would you describe your art?

A: The best term would be urban art. It is a combination of graphic art and street art.

Q: What are your thoughts on art in public spaces?

A: There is a by-law stopping a lot of artists from painting in public spaces. Commissioning artists to paint and create art at MyCiTi stations is good opportunity for artists. A place like Town Centre does not have much art and it brightens up the surrounding area. The art shines through.

This story originally appeared in the May edition of MyCiTi's enewsletter. Click here to subscribe and stay up to date with all the latest MyCiTi news.