With large-scale public artworks located anywhere from Azerbaijan to Brighton, the internationally recognised and locally celebrated street artist, r1. is set to be 100% Design South Africa’s first-ever Feature Artist of the Year for 2019.
This Johannesburg-based visionary is known for striking and vibrant artworks that are showcased in and around a city’s built environment. He refers to his pieces as ‘urban interventions’ that generate dialogue and serve as a means of engagement with the general public.
r1. uses a combination of found materials and repurposed objects to create interactive art pieces that change the city’s streets. His work embraces a dynamic sense of geometry and the unexpected use of reclaimed wood, street signs, barrier tape and other unusual materials. These astonishing pieces grace the corners of buildings, fences, abandoned buildings, high-rise walls… anywhere, really.
He honed his signature style on the streets of London and Brighton, first catching the attention of the public around 2011. Having left his mark on the UK landscape, he returned to Johannesburg to pave a new pathway of opportunity, envisioning the City of Gold as a fresh canvas.
Since his return to South Africa he has created a repertoire of temporary works and third party-funded permanent projects such as Hidden Trophy, an installation made of reflective chevron street signs, a 20-metre piece on the façade of August House in Doornfontein, and Brothers in Benches - a series of mobile seats upcycled from used wooden pallets that was part of a residency programme in Maboneng.
The nature of r1.’s work prompted the curators of 100% Design South Africa – Laurence Brick and Cathy O’Clery of Platform Creative Agency – to recognise that its boldness would be a catalyst for a fresh and exciting direction for the show itself and the interior design industry at large.
Not only have new, smaller-scale pieces (that would sit well in any interior) been born out of the collaboration between r1. and 100% Design South Africa so far, but r1.’s recognisable style also features prominently in the visual campaign for the 2019 event, set to take place from 7 to 11 August 2019, alongside Decorex Joburg at the Gallagher Convention Centre. All of the new works will be on show as part of a specially dedicated exhibition at 100% Design South Africa, where r1. will be on hand to meet the trade and interact with visitors.
‘r1. is a creative force whose bold artworks breathe life back into our surroundings. His thought-provoking optical fields capture the eyes and refuse to let go,’ says Laurence Brick, the Creative Director of 100% Design South Africa.
‘We are confident that interior designers, decorators, architects and members of the public will be as inspired as we are and that r1.’s presentation will spark the genesis of a host of new interior murals, wallpapers and product collaborations – which is the intention,’ Brick said.
100% Design South Africa 2019 will take place in Hall 1, Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand between 7 and 11 August and the opening times of the exhibitions are between 10 am and 6 pm.
For trade and exhibitor enquiries please contact Reed Exhibitions on +27 (0) 11 549 8300 and for more information visit www.100percentdesign.co.za.
