Forty graffiti artists spanning multiple generations took part in the Living Colour graffiti jam in Salt River.
The initiative featured artists ranging from 10 to 55 years old. Inspired by the rich history of Salt River, the graffiti artists reimagined a large-scale wall as a “Style Factory” – a creative factory themed production where various graffiti styles converge and evolve.
The project was a collaboration between company Grayscale and Free The Walls, a project which aims to use public art for social good while advocating for artists.
“This project represents more than just art on a wall – it’s about changing perceptions of graffiti and creating opportunities for artists,” says Nadia Fisher, co-founder of Free The Walls. “By bringing together artists of all ages and backgrounds, we’re showing how graffiti can unite communities and inspire positive change.”
“We bring colour to areas the government has neglected – areas they have let decay. It’s been amazing to see how many people have visited Salt River in the past week for a photo opportunity at the wall – and as a train commuter, seeing and hearing the people’s reactions everyday on my train ride into the city as we pass by the wall,” says Dave, co-owner of Grayscale.
“The Living Colour Jam was exactly what Cape Town graffiti needed. The showcase of various generations of graffiti writers and their individual styles all came together over two memorable days. Painting with SA graffiti legends Mak1one, Gogga and Falko was a particularly rare occurrence for many of us and one that I will always remember,” says graffiti artist Spot.
“The graffiti art paint jam was a welcoming and refreshing experience. Graffiti art paint jams have been an important part of our graffiti language, which plays a vital role in our culture, heritage and inheritance. The preservation and nurturing of this art form is vital for healing of the past, present connection as well as a creative future. Kai Gangans (big thank you) to our hip hop elders for bringing the knowledge and wisdom into existence and constantly raising the vibration of generations. As an artist between the mountains, the oceans and the streets, I recognise and support what Free the Walls and Grayscale has achieved with the graffiti art paint jam of 2024,” says graffiti artist MAK1ONE.
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