Local artists transform waste into striking art at the Melrose Gallery
From scrap to spectacle – Dr Willie Bester and Pitika Ntuli turn discarded materials into bold, thought-provoking works.
The Melrose Gallery’s latest exhibition, Junkyard Dogs, running until October 31, brings together two South African art icons: Dr Willie Bester and Prof Pitika Ntuli. Both artists are celebrated for transforming discarded materials into works that are visually striking and socially resonant.
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Bester describes his approach: “Some of the discarded materials carry memories of themselves, and it’s very much needed to bring out a certain point. The process is natural, it’s like a language.” He sees art as a way to explore everyday stories and the human condition. “Everything in life is centred around politics. Even the bread price is guided by politics. Engaging with art helps people become critical thinkers.”
The exhibition features sculptures, paintings, and installations that challenge viewers to confront society’s injustices while appreciating the beauty of reimagined materials. Bester’s works, from shoes of missing children to images recalling apartheid, demand attention and reflection. Ntuli complements him with monumental sculptures in metal, granite, wood, and bone, exploring resilience, memory, and the post-colonial South African experience.
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Curated by Ashraf Jamal and Tumelo ‘Tumi’ Moloi, Junkyard Dogs is designed as an immersive encounter, combining soundscape, sculpture, and installation. Bester noted, “It must spark conversations and encourage dialogue.” The gallery is also hosting children’s workshops, poetry sessions, and guided art walkabouts, all free to the public.
In Junkyard Dogs, scrap and waste are elevated to symbols of renewal and creativity, revealing how art can transform everyday materials into profound statements about society, history, and human resilience.
The exhibition runs until October 31 at The Melrose Gallery, 10 The High Street, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.
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