Monday 15 July 2013

Artist Profile: Fin

Fin is an artist from Johannesburg, South Africa and she recently visited Notre Dame Estate to paint a mural. We asked her a few questions about what she does.

1.) What do you like about painting.

I've always enjoyed painting in any medium. The best thing about painting murals is that it creates a sense of ownership. Joburg's crime rate has always been high and as a result people tend to lock themselves in and are wary of their environment. I've found painting on the street breaks down a lot of barriers. It's also extremely rewarding to be able to create something on that scale and to have it seen on a daily basis.
 

2.) How did you learn to paint murals

Joburg street artist Miss Propa got me into doing paste ups in 2011 which graduated to using spray paint directly. I learnt the most about painting from Tapz (Demolition Squad) whose years of experience and fearless approach really boosted me as an artist.
 

3.) What inspires you?

Other artists mostly, animal rights activists, nature, documentaries. 
 

4.) How did you get involved in the Mamelodi Project
 
I got to know about Mamelodi through mutual friends In Johannesburg. Fellow artist Reese Moonjava ended up living in Mamelodi for some time to work on the project. His parents have done a lot for the Viva Foundation, which is the orphanage in the area. Every year they invite artists and musicians to take part in the Mamelodi Festival. We stay over for the weekend and paint people's shacks. The idea is to turn the informal settlement into a living art work. So far it has increased tourism in the area, helping small businesses to grow and bringing awareness to the fact that this isn't temporary dwelling for these people and that the government needs to do more to improve their facilities.  

5.) What are you doing in Joburg now

I'm working on a lot of different things at the moment. I'm based at Two By Two Art Studio with my friend Tanner. We run a small gallery in which we host exhibitions, performances and events for young artists in Joburg. The adjoining art store supplies Ironlak spay paint and various On The Run books and products. The main goal at the moment is to get people to create more and to push ourselves as artists too.
The stalking cat
 Notre Dame estate
 Thanks Fin

 

Be sure to check out Two by Two's facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/twobytwoartstudio .



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