The artwork celebrates how culturally mixed hair styles are being rewoven and expressed in new and current ways. The Ndzundza Ndebele culture who lived in the Highveld from the 1630s until the late 1600s embraced a cultural inclusivity which often included other ethnicities such as Swazi and Zulu en-route to better livelihoods. Much like Johannesburg today. These historical traces were discovered on pottery that dated from the time and from research and though oral history. Thus, the meaning of the artwork is embedded in the medium (crockery). Monochromatic tones of blue and turquoise crockery from Johannesburg potteries and ceramic factories were selected. The artist also read Wits Architecture graduate thesis who studied hair saloons in the city. This young academic brought the traditional inspiration to trendy hairstyles to my attention.
10 Storey high crockery mosaic artwork
The artwork celebrates how culturally mixed hair styles are being rewoven and expressed in new and current ways. The Ndzundza Ndebele culture who lived in the Highveld from the 1630s until the late 1600s embraced a cultural inclusivity which often included other ethnicities such as Swazi and Zulu en-route to better livelihoods. Much like Johannesburg today. These historical traces were discovered on pottery that dated from the time and from research and though oral history. Thus, the meaning of the artwork is embedded in the medium (crockery). Monochromatic tones of blue and turquoise crockery from Johannesburg potteries and ceramic factories were selected. The artist also read Wits Architecture graduate thesis who studied hair saloons in the city. This young academic brought the traditional inspiration to trendy hairstyles to my attention.
A culmination of research gathered over many years, the Online Johannesburg Heritage Register is being launched on Nelson Mandela Day 18 July 2025.
Among the many heritage sites featured is Chancellor House, the downtown offices of Mandela and Tambo Attorneys in the 1950s. After having been vacant and shuttered for more than a decade, this iconic building is being revived and brought to life once again as offices for the Community Development Department, which oversees the City’s Arts, Culture & Heritage Services.
