(Mook Lion, Kev7 &
Sphephelo Mnguni. Pic by Niamh Walsh-Vorster)
The KZNSA Gallery has a new wall once again. The freshly painted wall is the result of a
three-day street art course facilitated by Durban artists Mook Lion, Kev7 and
Sphephelo Mnguni. The course took place from July 4 to 6, 2018. The KZNSA
invite all to come and view the new wall that was a collaborative effort
between local artists and children.
"[It] was great to apply the theory of participatory public art
which I studied," says Durban muralist, Mook Lion. "The students gained an understanding of
their potential by altering the public space and positively affecting the
future. We helped the students realise their potential."
The theme of the wall stemmed from conversations had with the course
participants and something whimsically reminiscent of childhood: imagination.
"The students were challenged to use their imagination and they did"
says Mnguni. "What I learned from painting with the kids is that they’re
very spontaneous with their ideas and they’re not afraid to change their minds
whenever new ideas emerge" he explains.
Kev7's experience of working with the younger generation was also
positive, "getting the kids to just go wild with their imaginations, was
the most fundamental concept in the creative process."
Looking at the face, with your head tilted slightly, viewers will see
the face of a person with wild and colourful hair, and with thoughts drawn on
their forehead. Mook Lion had to explain to some confused onlookers, "the
students’ ideas represented as drawings are literally placed in the forehead of
our red character."
The course was open to all from ages 6 up and open to adults, "I
ended up learning a lot from the kids," reflects Kev7, "on how to
create without judgement and expectations."
Hoping in future to encourage adults and potentially create nuanced
conversations about public art and murals as an important medium in the
creative world.
Kev7's greater hope as a working muralist in KwaZulu-Natal is to teach
more people about the need for it. "The importance of public art as a
platform is for communicating and translating cultural ideas," he says.
The KZNSA Gallery is situated at 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, in Durban.
More information on 031 277 1705, fax 031 201 8051 or cell 082 220 0368 or
visit www.kznsa.co.za
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