Social distancing art benches leave their mark

Eight public benches were donated to Johannesburg Botanical Gardens as part of an artistic experiment in social distancing by Stella Artois.

The benches had originally been part of a project in which award-winning artist and designer Baba Tjeko, and art director, designer and illustrator, Lauren Colin Mitchell (aka Curious Lauren) painted unique murals in the middle of each bench. Along with hand-drawn ‘wet paint’ signs, the benches were placed in high foot traffic areas around the city to see how the public would react to them when used.

In the process, the benches inspired people to unwittingly be together, yet apart, encouraging a conversation around an issue that remains important to all South Africans, especially during the second wave of Covid-19. The project was such a success, it managed to change people’s behaviour as they used the benches in a way that was socially responsible without being anti-social.

Brand director of High End Africa, Marsha Kumire explained the benches themselves are high-end, one-of-a-kind art pieces and, in donating them to the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, their longevity is ensured. “They will add value by not only providing an attraction for art lovers but afford visitors the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the gardens in a socially responsible manner.”

Botanical Gardens and Wilds manager Sandra Viljoen said, “With Covid-19 cases still on the rise and the new public gathering restrictions announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, this gift of stunning public furniture art is a timely reminder of how we as South Africans can still enjoy the outdoors responsibly. The benches will make a beautiful addition to our extraordinary, much-loved botanical gardens.”

The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia has one of the finest plant collections in the world, including over 30 000 indigenous trees as well as succulents and a collection of traditional African medicinal herbs.