The 7.3-metre wide and 14.2-metre high mosaic, which weighs 246kg, was made by communities and learners from all over Johannesburg since June 2010. One hundred children and adults from eight community centres in Honeydew, Alexander, Diepsloot, Orange Farm, Hillbrow, Melville and Craighall Park made the bottletop panels of the mosaic. The 400 panels were finally weaved together by 30 weavers from various crafts initiatives.
This eco-conscious artwork was initiated by the SUCH Initiative, an organisation formed by two visual artists born out of a need proactively to seek opportunities through which to make meaningful contributions on a social, environmental and aesthetical level.
Explaining the importance of such artwork and the process followed, Brenda Devar-Sakellarides of SUCH Initiative said: "This artwork showcases a number of important issues. It is a message of eco-activism, the power of working together and the use of art as a tool of transformation."
The core thinking behind the work is to create art that changes perceptions whilst beautifying the environment.
Johannesburg residents living and working in and around the Newtown Precinct will be able to view the artwork at the Mary Fitzgerald Square during the Arts Alive International Festival.
Mary Fitzgerald Square [MFS] is another one of Blue IQ's projects, which is now managed by the JDA. We are honoured that MFS has been chosen as a venue and are always excited to see how the public has found interesting and diverse ways to own this public space," said Blue IQ CEO, Amanda Nair. She added: "This mosaic is a beautiful piece of art made more so as it has been created by communities within the Gauteng Province and, importantly, involved our youths. We are proud that MFS is the mantle on which it shall be displayed."
The bottletops were donated by companies such as Nampak, Fontana manufacturers, MCG Midrand, a recycling initiative in Lenasia, B-Green and the Plastics Federation of SA, which assisted SUCH to make contact with its members.
