Her visit to Malawi has motivated me to spread the word more and draw closer to God. I too want to head out into new lands and spread His word…boy do I look forward to it!

Enjoy your time there mama, your “FAVOURITE” son misses ya

“After being targeted and prosecuted for Malicious Intent to Property, I spent 1 year under house arrest, completing 16 hours of community service for each month of that year. I did not serve the community whatsoever. I tried – unsuccessfully – to have the terms of my community service adjusted to include work on youth projects and in community centres, painting inside the prisons… I spent the year mopping floors and washing cop cars.” 

Community Service brings chunks of the urban environment into the gallery space. An examination of the notions of community and environment – and what it means to better an environment – the pieces work in layers of graffiti tags and throw-ups, nightclub event posters, election posters, abortion flyers, penis enlargement flyers, finished off with something that borders typography and sign-writing. It is a look into the urban environment by an individual who occupies that environment – “a real representative of the street” – it is a collection for the community and from the community. 

About the artist:

Philip Botha has been writing graffiti for over 12 years. From tunnels and rooftops to gallery spaces and commissioned projects, Philip’s work is extensive and varied. He has been published both locally and abroad and has exhibited on the national circuit. He has created artworks and performed live installations for many big brands, including Unilever, SAB, Smirnoff, Ecko Unltd, Lee Jeans, Lecoqsportif, K-Swiss , Coca Cola and Mr Price.  His graffiti has been showcased on MTV, SABC and e-tv, as well as by Universal Pictures and for the United Nations. He identifies his major influences as the original graffiti found on the trains of New York City in the 1970s and 80s, stylish tags, original hand-painted signage and the architecture of old city buildings. He currently works as a freelance artist and graphic designer, focused on engaging the city space through large-scale text-based murals.

“I’m not trying to be a politician, I didn’t start graffiti to send a particular message. I started for myself. Every human being has it in them to want to be known, to have their fifteen minutes. I feel like I deserve more than fifteen minutes. Graffiti was my vehicle for that. Perhaps it wasn’t always the best decision but it’s too late to turn back. Now I’m trying to use my talent, my inspirations and maybe my infamy to create something more lasting. On the street you have to expect your graffiti to not last. It has a shelf life. Eventually, it means nothing. I wanted to create pieces of art which could be taken home, which would last forever, passed along, burnt, whatever, and for me to at some point be remembered not only for my graffiti but for my art.”
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Community Service

Public Opening: 2 February 2011Main Street Life Gallery

286 Fox Street

Johannesburg