An added bright spark shone over Arts On Main in Johannesburg CBD on the Thursday the 3^rd of May as Maboneng Arts graced The Main Street Life Entrance Gallery with its strong presence. Artists Tommy Machaba, Thapelo Motsepe and Thabo Phala brought out their best work to put on show and together with Maboneng Arts & Maboneng brought you a memorable opening to an exciting exhibition which will be on for the whole month of May.

Art lovers who flocked to the gallery on the opening night were very impressed with the amazing art work and intrigued by the artists and the stories behind their art pieces. The evening was an expression of our great love for the arts as well as a dream come true for three humble and talented artists from the township of Alexandra. The Maboneng Precinct and the Maboneng Township Arts Experience collaboration has opened great doors for these artists and will continue to discover, expose and celebrate such talent. 

Those who missed out on the opening of the exhibition opening have the entire month of May to get to the Main Street Life Entrance gallery at Arts On Main, indulge in the artistic hub and purchase beautiful and unique art work.

Look out for more news regarding the Maboneng Township Arts Experience and the Maboneng Precinct partnership.    

 

Since its inception Maboneng Township Arts Experience has put together great art exhibitions and festivals all held in the township of Alexandra and continues to campaign for the development and expression of the arts in the townships.

In the month of May, Maboneng Arts brings you another one of its fantastic exhibitions with more breathtaking art, same incredibly talented artist’s and different venue!!

Maboneng Township Art Experience has joined forces with Maboneng Precinct to bring you an exhibition at the Main Street life Entrance Gallery at Arts On Main, 286 Fox Street.

Maboneng Precinct is an amazing development on the east side of the city of Johannesburg, it is home to renowned restaurants, galleries, studios and lots more! The development in its entirety is an artist’s dream!  So why not bring these two projects together and celebrate talented artists and the bringing of artistic light to townships and urban areas.

Come witness the perfect union on the 3^rd of May 2012 at 18:00 at The Main Street Life Entrance Gallery as we exhibit the exceptional work of humble artists Tommy Machaba, Thapelo Motsepe and Thabo Phala all who have a strong working relationship with and are part of the Maboneng Arts Family. The three artists were born and bred in Alexandra and have spent their lives honing their skills and creating art pieces, pieces that have helped build their homes and put bread on the table for their families. It is a great privilege not only to bring these talented artists work to you but to have worked alongside Maboneng Precinct to make this possible. Thursday the 3^rd of May will also be a celebration of the Maboneng Arts and Maboneng Precinct union and the launch of the great addition to each of our websites. 

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On Saturday the 21^st of April, the spotlight shone on Thapelo Motsepe who brought out his best work for all art lovers to indulge in. From paintings of friends, sketches of his family and a wooden cupboard made from scratch Thapelo had plenty to offer. One of the days speakers described Thapelo as a ‘Maker of all things’ she went as far as saying he could build a car from scratch if given the right materials much to the audiences’ amusement. Thapleo affirmed this as he stood before the audience and listed numerous things that he creates and builds. His love and passion for his work was made clear in his speech and his enthusiasm as he told the story behind each of his artworks over and over to each group of people that arrived at 9^th Ave Josias Mazunya street throughout the day to view and purchase his work.

The exhibition also featured the great work of two other artists Tommy Machaba and Thabo Phala, who also took us through each of their pieces. Art lovers spent time analysing the art and even asked questions challenging the artists’ thoughts behind their work. Overall it was a lovely day as artists and art lovers enjoyed refreshments together and conversed and exchanged thoughts. 

 

 

You’ll be glad to know that in April on the 21^st, we will be bringing you a more detailed solo exhibition by Thapelo Motsepe at 150 – 9^th Ave, corner 9^th Ave and Madzunya str. We will commence activities at 13pm until 18pm.

Here Thapelo Motsepe will get a chance to showcase his latest line of paintings that were not exhibited on the 2012 March exhibition. Another artist called Thabo Phala with his collection of oil paintings will assist him. Thabo’s inclusion will form as a teaser for his own solo exhibition in the near future.

Finally throughout the month of May we’ll be bringing Alexandra Township to urban Johannesburg, exhibiting the work of both Thapelo Motsepe and Tommy Machaba at Arts on Main, the heart of artistic Johannesburg! Township art in an urban environment is bound to be a unique experience that you don’t want to miss out on. We will keep you updated with more details as we move closer to the time. Until then… Keep on shining. 

 

This year the 21^st of March was not only a day where we commemorated Human Rights but one where we commended the work of two highly gifted artists from Alexandra.  

Clear blue skies and pleasantly warm sunshine made for perfect weather for an outdoor exhibition and helpful Alexandra residents were happy to have Thapelo Motsepe and Tommy Machaba’s art pieces hoisted up on the walls of their humbles homes at 63 – 4^th avenue on display for all to see.  These talented men brought out their best work that afternoon and stood proudly beside their art pieces as art lovers from all walks of life arrived to admire their work.

Themed ‘Alexandra; My Home’ the exhibition, like all Maboneng Arts events, revealed the treasure of talent that lies in the heart of the township. Tommy and Thapelo’s painting’s, sketches and sculptures depicted the story of Alexandra colourful people, quaint dwellings, taverns, churches and lots more.  

Cooling rain showers rounded off the day perfectly and what a successful day it was. Those who came out to view the artwork were blown away by the talent, the residents who lent us their space were happy to have played such a vital part in the exhibition and the stars of the day were showered with praise and filled with the new found hope of one day sharing their creations with the world .

 

 

 

Tommy Mashaba was bitten by the art bug at a very young age and with the encouragement and support of his father he began creating remarkable art work. Throughout the streets of Alexandra Tommy is known for his incredible talent which he believes is God given. Tommy has devoted his art work to his home, the beauty that is Alexandra township! And thanks to his amazing photographic memory he has created many paintings depicting great parts of the township down to the very last detail! Creating Alexandra’s landscapes, wide angles, social close ups and his attention to detail are what set him apart from the rest. When he’s not sitting in his humble home creating masterpieces Tommy enjoys gumboot and pantsula dance as well as the occasional game of table tennis. Tommy’s goal is to inspire young artists to follow their dreams as well as to create awareness around the development and potential of the arts to bring wealth to the community.

Born and bred in Alexandra township Thapelo Motsepe otherwise known as Gomorra always dreamed of being a successful artist. From Skeen Primary school to KwaBhekilanga high school Thapelo spent all his time honing his artistic skills which then led him to Artist Proof Studio, a quality art education centre that specialises in printmaking through a variety of partnerships with creative young artists, where he gained three years worth of experience. Today Thapelo has acquired and specialises in a variety of skills including, upholstery, drawing, printing of fabric, sign writing and he was inspired to create a fashion line of street wear which includes, caps, t-shirts and bags etc. Thapelo Motsepe is definitely the name to look out for on the art scene, the young man has only just begun!

 

Greetings!

A happy 2012 to you all! This year promises to bring loads of excitement, light and growth. A big year for Alexandra and its people as it turns a graceful 100years old. The Maboneng team will keep you up to speed and ensure that you don't miss out on any of the developments and in our celebrations calendar.

We’re already half way through the third month of the year and we are very excited to kick start Alexandra townships centenary celebrations and it all begins this week on the 21^st of March.

The Maboneng Arts festival, even in its developing years, has been in existence for 11 years. It endorses the development of the artistic hub that is Alexandra township and encourages the creation of jobs and economic opportunities through the medium of arts and culture. Since its major execution in 2010 Maboneng has grown tremendously through the help of enthusiastic Alex residents, great talents and generous sponsors.

Everything you need to know about Maboneng and more you're sure to find on our site. Click on our exhibition tab and see for yourself what we've been up to in the past few years, watch a video of our most recent festival and see the talent and potential that Alexandra holds. Under our products tab view the outstanding artwork created by artists such as Tommy Mashaba and Ronny Mabunda that is on sale, find out how you can become an owner of some of these pieces. A simple click on the events tab will keep you clued up on what Maboneng is up to this year by following our showcase itinerary.

In 2012 we intend to celebrate the townships 100yrs of existence not in one single event but through many events throughout the year. Different locations, different artist and the same undying love for the arts. All which will culminate to one big spectacle in September 2012! Expect a showcase of dance, music, paintings, film and much more. All of which will kick off in March at 4th avenue when we showcase and celebrate the exceptional works of Alexandra landscapes.

Another exhibition to look out for, one that we're eagerly anticipating is that of the highly talented painter Tommy Mashaba whose work never ceases to amaze. Keep your eyes peeled for more info regarding these artists and their exhibitions.

Evidently this year will be a big one for Alexandra and its people. You definitely do not want to miss out on any of the action so make sure and the Maboneng team will make sure you stay in the light. Remember that you are more than welcome to work in our townships and get a piece of the action, simply click the residency tab and find out how!

We’re already half way through the third month of the year and we are very excited to kick start Alexandra townships centenary celebrations and it all begins this week on the 21^st of March.

Due to unforeseen circumstances slight changes have been made to plans of our first exhibition for the year. We’ll be exhibiting the work of Tommy Mashaba and Thapelo Motsepe and not Cedrick Sibisi as we mentioned in our itenarary. This exhibition is called “Alexandra My Home”. Tommy and Thapelo are both exceptional artists who have years of experience and an undying passion for the arts! This month we celebrate the talent that these two men have been blessed with.

Tommy Mashaba was bitten by the art bug at a very young age and with the encouragement and support of his father he began creating remarkable art work. Throughout the streets of Alexandra Tommy is known for his incredible talent which he believes is God given. Tommy has devoted his art work to his home, the beauty that is Alexandra township! And thanks to his amazing photographic memory he has created many paintings depicting great parts of the township down to the very last detail! Creating Alexandra’s landscapes, wide angles, social close ups and his attention to detail are what set him apart from the rest. When he’s not sitting in his humble home creating masterpieces Tommy enjoys gumboot and pantsula dance as well as the occasional game of table tennis. Tommy’s goal is to inspire young artists to follow their dreams as well as to create awareness around the development and potential of the arts to bring wealth to the community.

Born and bred in Alexandra township Thapelo Motsepe otherwise known as Gomorra always dreamed of being a successful artist. From Skeen Primary school to KwaBhekilanga high school Thapelo spent all his time honing his artistic skills which then led him to Artist Proof Studio, a quality art education centre that specialises in printmaking through a variety of partnerships with creative young artists, where he gained three years worth of experience. Today Thapelo has acquired and specialises in a variety of skills including, upholstery, drawing, printing of fabric, sign writing and he was inspired to create a fashion line of street wear which includes, caps, t-shirts and bags etc. Thapelo Motsepe is definitely the name to look out for on the art scene, the young man has only just begun!

Come see these amazing talents for yourself this Wednesday the 21^st of March 63 – 4^th Avenue Alexandra from 1pm to 6pm. Remember Wednesday is a public holiday so you have no excuse not to stop by and indulge in Alexandra’s genius. We look forward to seeing you there!

Keep the LIGHTS shining!!!!

 

 

The streets of Alexandra were a buzz with excitement on December 16th 2011 as Alex prepared to take flight!

 

The yard at the corner of 3rd avenue on Sam Bhuti street had been transformed into a gallery of an extraordinary kind. In the humble homes of a couple of Alex residents hung outstanding artwork created by highly talented artists.

 

Out in the street, graffiti artist filled the township with colour,creating beautiful pieces of art, walls and homes as their canvases. 

 

Children who were eager to express their artistic side sat at tables and drew, wrote and painted to their hearts content. Visitors and residents passing by could not help but be drawn in and serenaded by poets and

live jazz bands, mentored by legendary alex jazz musician Bra Ntemi.

 

Tours of the homes left visitors intrigued as tour guides told the stories behind the artwork and the artists. One of our resident artists, the exceptionally talented Tommy Machaba, who despite all his hardships and disadvantages continues to live for art. He wowed us all with his paintings of Alex landscapes using his unbelievably accurate

photographic memory.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homeowners who had excitedly prepared all morning for the days event beamed with pride as visitors stepped into their homes to view art pieces, welcoming every last visitor with a warm smile. And as the day drew to a close, with them, visitors took a memorable experience, artistic knowledge, sweet melodies and a picture of themselves drawn by one of the gifted artists. This left behind a promise for them to return this year for an even bigger and better Maboneng Alex Arts Experience as Alexandra turns 100years old.

 

 

FLYING ALEX

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