Graffiti is not decoration, it is art with an uplifting message for Nhlapo
Mural project is to spark debate
For some, graffiti is visual pollution. But for Senzo Nhlapo, 38, it is a source of inspiration about the place he lives in.
Nhlapo has been involved in the painting of 10 murals around Soweto, including on the walls of some iconic landmarks like the township’s first wine shop, Morara Wines and Spirits Emporium, the now dilapidated Eyethu Cinema and Funda Arts Centre.
His latest collaboration is with SA’s top cognac brand Hennessy Special Limited Edition. The brand donated 1000 cans of spray paint to the Kaslam Street Art Jam 2017, with the aim of creating beautiful art pieces on township walls.
Nhlapo worked on four murals for this collaboration.
“The murals had themes; the first was Never Stop, Never Settle. It’s a reflection of who we are in Soweto,” he said.
“The second one [theme] was about ‘legacy’, which was a perfect opportunity to do a mural at Eyethu Cinema.”
“The other idea revolved around blending. We specifically chose Morara and other businesses because they were blending together.”
The fourth mural was at Box Shop, in Orlando’s Vilakazi Street, “where you find a lot of entrepreneurs who are brimming with new ideas”, he said.
He said the art was meant to spark debate about issues affecting communities.