celebrating HERITAGE with the YOUTH

In celebration of HERITAGE Month, the Rupert Museum collaborated with well-known street and multi-disciplinary artist Ras Silas Motse to introduce fundamental design principles through freestyle graffiti to high school students. The 48 learners from five local schools were introduced to the playful way COLOUR, LINE and SHAPE corresponds to layout and designs.

During the full-day workshop, Motse shared part of the theory, key approaches and projects that fascinated and hopefully motivated these young minds. It is important to hear from a practicing artist how a career in arts can make a difference to oneself and your community.

The panels on show celebrate some of the elements – Springbuck, Blue Crane, Galjoen, Protea – that is unique to South Africa, the learners had the freedom to choose and combine colours, make up the background, include personal tags and marks. All these individual and group decisions contributed to the celebration of diversity amongst the peers. It is indeed this diversity the learners headlined to the question what makes them PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN.

These panels are a message to all of us by viewing and sharing them we celebrate our country, its people and the youth. The joy found in making something beautiful for others to view and appreciate has a lasting impression.

Participating schools whose mural panels make up this celebratory exhibition includes Apex High, Eerste River Secondary, Kylemore High, Lückhoff High and Stellenzicht Secondary.

The Rupert Museum gives thanks to artist Ras Silas Motse, Ellené Louw (DCES: Design & Visual Arts (FET), Western Cape Education Department) and Maghriet Beukes (Departmental Head – PJ Olivier Art Centre) for their contribution and arrangements.
A special thank you to the following principals and teachers for collaborating and assisting making this project a success.

• Apex High – Renate van der Westhuizen (Principal), Rozanne Calitz & Jade Chapman (Teachers)
• Eerste River Secondary – Cedric Williams (Principal), Lanie Prinsloo (Teacher)
• Kylemore High – Tertia Jefthas (Principal)
• Lückhoff High – Chris Jooste (Principal), Florence Vermeulen (Teacher)
• Stellenzicht Secondary – Carol Abrahams (Principal), AF Rhode & Sam Pietersen (Teachers)

Then the artists in the making, you are applauded for the final panels you created, as for most it was the very first time working with a spray can.

KYLEMORE HIGH
Luciano Adams, Dimitri Fortuin, Kelly Jacobs, Imamkele Lusani, Hayden Olivier, Devandre Palmer, Herschell Singer, Dané Taylor

STELLENZICHT SECONDARY
Luhané George, Jamie-Lee Isaacs, Amagelang Leikwane, Gerilize Linders, Bernice Linders, Rethabile Mere, Franco Pietersen, Ryan Rezant

LÜCKHOFF HIGH
Victoria Andirade, Kodi Calvert, Ashley Chimbwanda, Annique Davids, Amanda Miti, Yasmeen Solomons

APEX HIGH
Roshan Abrahams, Guile Ackers, Brighton Amuron, Rayden Benadie, Samkelisiwe Bulama, Kaylin Charles, Mickyle Duminy, Jaywen Engelbrecht, Alicia Figland, Shineeca Hinkman, Thato Malematsa, Jayden Meyer, Karl Ncube, Shakira Rossouw

EERSTE RIVER SECONDARY
Buhle Alexander, Ziyaad Fredericks, Angelo Grootboom, Lorenzo Jacobs, Zavier Kemp, Ackwin Manuel, Chadwin Majibi, Domicha Meintjies, Keagan Petersen, Waylen Philander, Aidan Plaatjies, Ashton-Lee Solomons

We invite visitors to use these panels as backdrop to your photographs that can be shared throughout the month of September. In addition, stand a chance to win a hamper by voting for your favourite Heritage panel when visiting the museum, or follow us on Instagram throughout the month of September to learn more about these panels and learners.  

Public Favourite votes will be counted on 29 September and the participating learners from the school with the most votes will each be rewarded with art materials. Each school will also receive their panel for permanent display on their school premises.