Jewel City Gateway Artwork

Last Updated: September 26, 2023
Artist

Shepherd Ndudzo

A Brief History

The artwork was commissioned by Art at Work and financed by the JDA as part of a R17 million upgrade of the area around Jewel City undertaken in partnership with the property development company ApexHi, which owns much of the property in the area.

Description

The 6.5 metre high artwork was created by Batswana sculptor, Shepherd Ndudzo, in 2008. This artwork marks one of the major entry-points into the inner city from the east, down the historic Commissioner Street. It is constructed from a combination of cut granite and carved wood, taking the shape of an elongated diamond.

The contrast in colour and feel between the hard, grey granite and the soft organic wooden forms add to the impact of the work, and suggest both the bringing together of opposites, as well as referencing the nature of the work that is carried out in the adjacent Jewel City. Mosaics on the traffic island (created by the Spaza collective) provide a colourful framing for the artwork.

Artwork Signage

The artwork was commissioned by Art at Work and financed by the JDA as part of a R17 million upgrade of the area around Jewel City undertaken in partnership with the property development company ApexHi, which owns much of the property in the area.

Location & Address

20 Ambrose St, City and Suburban, Johannesburg, 2094