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5 South African street artists you should know about

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The pen is not the only tool of empowerment and liberation. Art has long been a form of rebellion against political, social and economic structures.

Creative street art found on the walls of inner cities are reminders of lives and people once forgotten.

Artists are declaring the world as their canvas and the idea that art should only be viewed on the walls of aristocratic galleries is long being torn down. 

Some city councils get this as they permit various artists to pour out their conscience onto the city walls to remind us of the deeper systematic truths within gentrified walls of businesses and government.

If you ever find yourself wandering around the major cities and towns in South Africa, check out the amazing murals transforming dilapidated alleyways into magnificent urban jungles of colour and creativity.

Ralph Ziman
Through his public art, director, filmmaker and artist Ralph Ziman particularly challenges the growing international arm trade, corrupt leaders and war-torn violence in Africa.

Location: Venice

Location: Grand Parade, Cape Town

Faith47
A well-known Capetonian artist, Faith pencils and strokes out of the mind, character and spirit of the human condition. Throughout her decades of work, she expresses personal truth by disrupting and disarming global realpolitik.

Location: De Waal drive, Cape Town

"All shall be equal before the law" #capetown #streetart #allshallbeequalbeforethelaw #faith47 #southafrica #iphoneography

A photo posted by Sarah Zareéna Abdulla (@ichoosethescenicroute) on

Location: Cape Town

Nardstar
Listed by Huffington Post as one of the world’s top 25 female street artists, Nardstar’s geometric creations uplifts and beautifies the streets of Cape Town.

Location: Cape Town

Location: Cape Town

Freddy Sam
Also known as Ricky Lee Sam, Freddy's large-scale murals pours light onto social issues and the nature of man in present society.

Detail: I AM YOU / YOU ARE ME Parrow Cape Town 2015 With hundreds of people passing by dail

A photo posted by Ricky Lee Gordon / Freddy Sam (@freddysam_) on

Location: Parow, Cape Town

Detail of #WWF #earthhourZA #weareallconnected mural. #FreddySam #awordofart Acrylic and brush.@WWF @earthhourofficial

A photo posted by Ricky Lee Gordon / Freddy Sam (@freddysam_) on

Location: Maboneng, Johannesburg

 
Mak1one
Born and raised in Mitchell’s Plain, mak1one uses his art appreciation as an empowering tool for beautifying disadvantaged communities. His work represents a visual conscious form cutting across financial, racial, language and educational boundaries.

Location: Muizenberg, Cape Town

#Water-rights #capetown #khayelitsha #mak1one

A photo posted by Shani Judes (@shanijudes) on

Location: Khayelitsha,  Cape Town

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