Where to see the best street art in Johannesburg Posted by Anita Froneman on 13 January 2021 Johannesburg is known for a plethora of cultural experiences, not least of which its celebrated art scene. However, you don’t always have to visit a high-end gallery to see true art. The city proudly showcases some of its best artwork on the streets. ‘The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls‘, sang Simon & Garfunkel in their hit song The Sound of Silence. How true this is in Jozi. Ranging from protest and activism to celebrating the beauty of the country and her people, you can find it all in the form of spray painting in and around the City of Gold. Maboneng, Braamfontein and certain parts of Soweto are the mural hotspots, with new artists and artworks popping up seemingly every day. According to Polity, a 2003 bylaw states that there is a prohibition on graffiti on any structure relating to public roads without permission. Furthermore, Section 16 of the City of Johannesburg’s 2008 Public Art Policy mentions an ‘Anti-Graffiti Rapid Response Unit’ responsible for the removal of ‘objectionable and unwarranted graffiti from key points’. Hence, it is important to only support artists and their works when they are done legally and without destruction or damaging of private property, which amounts to vandalism. However, many graffiti scenes are commissioned works with permission from the City of Johannesburg. So, take a drive or go on foot, you might even get surprised by a few hidden gems along the way. If you see the artist’s name on the work, do them a favour by tagging them on your social media pictures for support. Here are some of the best places to go and marvel at the colourful artworks. Melle Street, Braamfontein View this post on Instagram A post shared by Johannesburg In Your Pocket (@johannesburginyourpocket) Soweto, Orlando West View this post on Instagram A post shared by dany b (@ninatheostreetart) 55 Malibongwe Drive, Linden View this post on Instagram A post shared by streetartpedia (@streetartpedia) Maboneng Precinct View this post on Instagram A post shared by Matthew E (@mattscorpio_rtw_trip) De Beer Street, Braamfontein View this post on Instagram A post shared by streetartpedia (@streetartpedia) Jewel City, Maboneng View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mulalo Mashau (@mulalowamashau) Sivewright Avenue View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mehrdad (@thegraffitihub) Newtown View this post on Instagram A post shared by James Delaney (@delaneyartist) If you don’t know the areas well and would feel more comfortable going on a guided tour, support these operators who have all the inside information: Maboneng Townships Experience Past Experiences Tour Soweto jozy_triangel Picture: Unsplash Related Posts 4 stylish farm stays in South Africa 26 May 2023 An agricultural abode that’s refined rather than rustic? These places to stay will fill your... read more 10 Coffee Shops in Johannesburg to visit 25 May 2023 Finding the best coffee shops in Johannesburg can be tricky, so we've put together a... read more Top hiking trails around Pretoria 28 April 2023 Pretoria hikers are spoilt for choice when it comes to trail opportunities. Here are six... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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