The office of TERRA+ in the Woodstock suburb of Cape Town is surrounded by the fruit of many artists who have taken the time and effort to adorn the walls of buildings. In an area with relatively hard urban spaces it is interesting to observe the effect these murals have on the overall landscape. Where trees soften and reduce the scale of buildings, murals often have a similar effect, limited to the 2 dimensional constraints of the medium.
The benefits of enjoyment of art that is not exclusive and elitist is refreshing, no diatribe of meaning discussed over tart red wine. What are the social impacts of art which comments on the society and is regarded by that same society, at times, as a nuisance? Yet is is unconditional, requires no money and is fleeting.