AUGUST 2023

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ART, HOPE, RENEWAL AND THE POWER OF “ONE”

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Article published in New Journey Magazine, a local New Zealand magazine. The article highlighted the role of art and civil society to inspire and mobilise change in the South African context.

 

Never underestimate the powerful impact of a few good men and women to inspire action and ignite the fire of change and hope.

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When we left Pietermaritzburg a year ago it was with a profound mix of heaviness and relief. Years of struggle with the inefficiency and corruption of local govt and increasing decay had taken its toll and we were relieved to move on, but our hearts were heavy to leave the special community with whom we had faced so many challenges together. I had participated in photographic walking tours of the inner city with its once charming Victorian lanes as well as the iconic City Hall built in 1893 and then rebuilt, after a devastating fire, in 1901. A national monument, it contains fine stained-glass windows and a high clock tower with a Westminster chime and a carillon of 12 bells.  The City Hall is said to be the largest all brick building in the Southern Hemisphere and contains one of the finest organs in the world. Sadly, the rot and apathy was widespread, like a cancer slowly infecting everything but the tide was beginning to turn!

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I received a call from a modern-day crusader, Lara Edmonds from KPCA (Keep Pietermaritzburg Clean Association), who, together with her team, is inspiring communities, businesses and citizens to lift their heads above the gloom and take control of spaces and spheres of influence. I was persuaded to contribute a poster which would be used as a rallying banner around which active citizens could take back the once proud capital city. I was humbled and honoured to have been approached and, even though I was inexperienced in this type of art, I agreed to have a bash based on the brief provided. This has been such an inspiring journey and I am incredibly privileged to be playing such a small role in the ongoing initiatives of KPCA.

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Explanation of symbolism used in my poster:

Rainbow: Symbolises “Hope” overarching the magnificent City Hall and city which in itself represents the diverse heritage which Pietermaritzburg is famous for

Large elephant: Symbolises Pietermaritzburg which is also known by the Zulu term “uMgungundlovu”, the place of the elephant

Small elephant: Represents three elements

The nearby sister town of Greytown (the place of my birth) which is also known by its Zulu name, “uMgungundlovana” (the place of the small elephant);

The legacy and example left behind by citizens and active members of society for our youth and future generations through selfless service and leadership;

The role played by the youth in shaping the future destiny of Pietermaritzburg as the capital city of KwaZulu-Natal

Cleaners: Represents a community of active citizens, encompassing all races and cultures, selflessly volunteering time to serve our city and citizens, cleaning and beautifying, because they care and are united by a hope for a better future

 

 

Keep Pietermaritzburg Clean Association (KPCA) and Lara Edmonds:

https://www.facebook.com/KPCAGroup/  

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“Hope is a very powerful force. It inspires us to move beyond the impossible into a realm where dreams do come true. It is a call to the human spirit to rise against all odds! Gary Clarke's vibrant pop-art piece of Pietermaritzburg's iconic City Hall reminds us of the promise over our nation, it calls us to unite under one colourful banner to save our city. How wonderful that art is the beacon of hope guiding us through the storm into a brand-new chapter. It is our story, and together we can write an exciting new chapter. Gary's unpainted drawing will be used in KPCA 's education programme, and awareness initiatives.

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KPCA is calling the citizens of Pietermaritzburg to rise and save our city. If we all took ownership of our verges and the space around our businesses and cleaned them up daily, our city would be clean. If we all recycled, we would drastically reduce the crisis at the dump.

This is KPCA’s message in the mess that is Pietermaritzburg’s reality at present, and the key is the power of community collaboration. We need to move beyond dysfunction and rise to reclaim our city. United, we can make an enormous impact. It is a natural win for us as it increases property value, security and community pride. Most significantly, it has an important impact on our environment.”

 

Other creatives and artists are also donating their time and talents in this dynamic process which is gathering momentum and influence - Well known Pietermaritzburg artist, Siyabonga Sikosana Musi painted a magnificent piece for KPCA’s campaign to reclaim PMB on its 185th anniversary. “Siyabonga's painting is an inspirational testimony of our reality in South Africa - a window into our vibrant truth! We are deeply moved by his generous heart, his love for community and our city.” (KPCA)