Often when traveling to unknown lands, in this case Johannesburg, one can create certain expectations in their head and discover the exact opposite. After a few days running around, are initial skepticism of Joburg has been revoked and anything but negative. Aside from countless memorable adventures from our hospitable hosts and curators of the event, /ANDPEOPLE, we have witnessed two massive murals by ESPO and ROA come to completion. ESPO and his ICY signs crew painted a monster block letter spelling “Stay Up” in the middle of a busy intersection, while ROA stacked a mixture of animals sleeping from top to bottom of a very tall building. We have witnessed first hand the positive reaction from countless locals in the form of wide smiles and thumbs up.

 

Photos and text by Juxtapoz editor: Austin McManus

 

About I ART JOBURG:

adidas Originals presents ‘I ART JOBURG,’ a month long project curated by /ANDPEOPLE that introduces five world renowned street and fine artists to the heart of Maboneng Precinct in Johannesburg’s central art district. Here they will be painting large-scale murals across the area over the month of September.

 

Artists Remed (Madrid), Steve ‘ESPO’ Powers (New York), ROA (Belgium) as well as local artists Falko (Cape Town) and Cameron Platter (Durban) will headline the project alongside legendary street culture photographer Martha Cooper (New York) who will collaborate with each artist, documenting the month long process.

 

More info about the project at their website.

 

Walking on the freeway to get a better perspective... Better perspective... ESPO freeway loungin.. Martha Cooper ROA finished Mookie assiting ROA..