I love graffiti. Not the tagging kind that gangsters favour, but rather the mural kind. To think that someone can create something so beautiful (and so HUGE) on a wall using cans of spray paint just boggles my mind. I was recently taken around Woodstock by Juma Mkwela (who also grew up in Zimbabwe) to see various murals by local and international artists. It was an incredible hour filled with approximately 40 works of art, found almost every street corner.

To think that someone can create something so beautiful (and so HUGE) on a wall using cans of spray paint just boggles my mind. And thank goodness for these street artists because without them, many of our city walls and alleyways would just be plain ugly.  

I was recently taken around Woodstock by Juma Mkwela (who also grew up in Zimbabwe) to see various murals by local and international artists. The project started in 2008 and includes artists like Faith47, Jack Fox (Faith’s son), Freddy Sam (curator of the street art project), Nard-Star, Masai Lou, Spazio, Giya, Dodie Boy and Daleast (Faith’s husband) to name a few.  It was an incredible two hours filled with approximately 40 works of art, found almost every street corner.

Here are a few photos that will hopefully inspire you to take a walk with Juma.

Do the Woodstock Graffiti Tour 
Juma is an awesome, affiable chap who has oodles of patience, especially with photographers! The Woodstock walking tour costs R200 and it will be the most creative hour of your life. He also does a half day tour of Khayeltisha for R500, that includes a shuttle, coffee and lunch. Give him a call on 073 400 4064, or email him at juma.mkwela@gmail.com to book a tour. He also has a Facebook page.

Published June 2015 | Hosted by Juma Mkwela