Ubuhle Bendalo opens up a cross-continental conversation in street art

The French Institute of South Africa has announced the first edition of Ubuhle Bendalo, an urban art residency devoted to street art in all its forms, curated by Breeze Yoko.

Urban art has undergone a major transformation in the last 20 years, shifting from what was previously denigrated as vandalism to a greatly respected, highly innovative and increasingly lucrative art form. Street art has arguably been the most exciting and dynamically evolving area of the visual arts space in recent decades, catching the imagination and attention of the general public, collectors, curators, property developers and urban planners.

Although drawing on walls is an age-old practice in Southern Africa, urban art is a relatively new art form. The local scene is still growing, with very few platforms that support cultural exchange. Through a series of events and residencies, Ubuhle Bendalo is aiming to change this by creating meaningful collaborations between local and international artists to share experiences, ideas, practices and techniques, and by contributing to more female presence in local and international street art scenes.

Street artists Sitou Matthia and Doudou’ Style are coming all the way from France to join South African street artists Mr Ekse and Breeze Yoko to paint murals in Braamfontein. A sketch battle will also take place at Grayscale Gallery in Braamfontein, and an art workshop for women hosted by Trackside Creative will also be held in Soweto. The aim of these events is to open up a cross-continental conversation and an exchange of skills between street artists from different backgrounds.

Check out the Ubuhle Bendalo programme below:

Mural Painting

17–22 March – Braamfontein

Sketch Battle
Friday 22 March – Grayscale Gallery, Braamfontein

Women in Street Art Workshop
Saturday 23 March – Trackside Phefeni, Soweto