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An array of festive trees expressing different religious, cultural and traditional beliefs will be brightening Main Street from next month.
Local artists will create their version of a Yuletide tree, celebrating life in downtown Johannesburg
A GLITTERING array of festive trees designed by local artists will brighten Main Street next month for the fifth year in a row.
An eclectic collection of Christmas trees will represent a slice of South Africa's diverse cultures. This year, as in the past four years, Anglo American has commissioned local artists to create their version of a Yuletide tree, celebrating life in downtown Johannesburg.
South African artists were invited to submit proposals illustrating the festive theme. In the past, these sculptures have been a far cry from the tinsel -adorned Christmas trees of the shopping malls, say organisers. The idea is for each tree to tell a story which is unique and generates debate and discussion.
According to the organisers, the artists' brief contained the themes of solar energy and recycling, giving an extra dimension to the "greenness" of the trees. The sculptures will be the artists' interpretation of the festive season, expressing different religious, cultural and traditional beliefs.
A line of longevity has also been established, as trees from previous years will also be on display, enriching the exhibition.
Artists will create a large-scale sculpture; it can be three metres in height or three metres in width, and made of the artists' choice of weather resistant materials, as the sculpture will remain outdoors for the duration of the December school holidays.
Artists participating this year include Gina Waldman, Dave Rousseau,Zach Taljaard, Thomas Kubai, Bronwyn Krige, the Kommetjie environmental awareness group, John Molteno and artists from the Spaza Art Gallery – Andrew Lindsay, Prince Mbatha and Bongani Mfepo.
44 Main Street, where the exhibition will be showcased, has been transformed into a pedestrian promenade where tarred streets have been replaced with trees, leafy ground covers and decorative paving as part of the inner city rejuvenation partnership programme.
Kuseni Dlamini, Head of Anglo American South Africa, says that Anglo American is immensely pleased to be involved in and contribute to the spirit of regeneration. "Creating work for our talented artists is as rewarding as their wonderful productions, which light up the inner city of Johannesburg during the Festive season, bringing warmth, joy and inspiration to all," he says.
Adds Premilla Hamid, Anglo's general manager of public affairs: "Anglo American is proud to play a role in the revitalisation of the city centre in Johannesburg and to be associated with the recognition of South Africa's talented artists. The resounding success of the festive tree project has encouraged Anglo American to undertake this project once again, and this year the show of trees and glimmering lights is sure to be spectacular."
A carol ceremony launching the trees on 18 November at 18h30 is open to the public. Families are encouraged to bring picnic hampers and children will also be able to have their faces painted and watch balloons being sculpted.
The exhibition will be on display and lit in the evenings until 4 January 2009. Every Friday afternoon, buskers and musicians will bring a carnival atmosphere into Main Street.
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