Visitors to the V&A Waterfront might have noticed the visual spectacle of décor installations at the popular shopping centre forming part of the Joy from Africa to the World art exhibition.
The art installation, now in its fourth year, sees a host of colourful designs from local artists and crafters.
Tinyiko Mageza, the V&A Waterfront’s Marketing Executive, says the aim is to inspire visitors and tenants to act responsibly and safeguard the environment.
“Through the initiative, the Waterfront will continue to shun traditional imported tinsel and baubles and plastics for its festive decorations, which often end up in landfill sites, choosing instead to creatively repurpose and present fresh, original installations every year.”
The theme for 2022 is “where possibilities take flight”.
Since 2019, artists and crafters from Langa, Imizamo Yethu, Mitchell’s Plain, Khayelitsha and Philippi, and from as far afield as the Karoo, the Eastern Cape, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Senegal have accepted commissions to work with local, sustainable materials.
Mageza says they give financial support to the people and communities who create their installations, but by exhibiting their work on their property they also offer them a powerful marketing platform.
Cathy Newton, Managing Director of Wire World, says they have been tasked with creating 20 festive African drum pendants and hanging lights showcased at the V&A Watershed.
The “showstopper” can be found in the walkway above the Pick n Pay basement. Here a giant hot air balloon is suspended from the ceiling. The basket section was created by the Cape Town Society of the Blind.
The mall also boasts a dramatic new look thanks to the collective efforts of talented South African designers and illustrators.
Textiles printed in unique patterns and designs have been combined with beading, Paper Mache, lights and other crafts to create an unexpected and sophisticated look.
Illustrator Kyle Kemink was commissioned to create a detailed and nuanced photographic collage of the experiences, emotions and moments at the V&A Waterfront.
Another impressive sight is the giant Christmas tree found close to the Amphitheatre. This year, the V&A’s giant tree is a collaboration with Lalela, an innovative arts education programme for at-risk youth. The young learners were asked to draw self-portraits that are placed all around it.
Mignon Hattingh, Creative Director of Zuku Dolls, and her team created two 2-metre dolls, 14 1,1 metre dolls and thirty 60 cm dolls.
“And they have books on their backs. This is about literacy and the celebration of reading,” she says.
