MAMA WATCH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAMA WATCH is a public art project, which can also classify as community development initiative.

Starting in Cape Town, Khayelitsha, we approach the mothers of the community living in Harare and take their portraits; later we paste the huge portraits on a public wall for the wellbeing of the people passing by. 

 

We use photography and street art in order to deal with crime prevention/ safety in a creative way. We are recruiting the Mamas of the neighborhood to replace the bars and the fears in those unpleasant pathways with a soft but strong look.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Inspiration is international ongoing project INSIDE OUT by street artist JR, which "gives everyone the opportunity to share their portrait and make a statement for what they stand for". (www.insideoutproject.net)

 

 

Who are we?

 

Curator: Valerie Geselev (Yalla Shoola Arts)
Proposed to conduct an experiment: would it work to use street portraits of mamas for construction of safety and pleasent feeling on the streets? This is her creative attempt on corresponding with the unfamiliar safety obsession around her.

 

Project manager: Andile Fokazi
As a young graduate of crime prevention initiative, Andile likes communicating with people in his community and aspires to make a change with his actions. He was born and raised in Khayelitsha. 

 

Team:
Some of us are a group of youth called Placemakers that work at VPUU (Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading). Our main objective is to reduce crime in our community and influence young people and those who do crime with the positive mindset to know the path to follow in life.

There is another young gentleman his name is Wandisile Nqeketho he is a young entrepreneur, He also has his own museum called 18 gangster museum with the vision to create gang-free society, where people live in peace and harmony with the values of Ubuntu. 

Also there is another young gentleman his name is Lindokuhle Bikisha he is an Up and coming film-maker. He is also an Intern at Hubspace Khayelitsha, where the young entrepreneurs do their work, 

 

As young and determined youth we loved the Mama Watch idea and we would like to participate and  to be part of this innovative solution. This is something new in our community and it has the potential to do great impact with regards to safety in our community. 

 

(Words by Unathi Mkhokeli)

 

The project was pushed forward with love by:

* Brenda Skelenge (Moholo LiveHouse, Harare Square)

* Katleho Shoro (African Arts Institute)
* Isa Faller (VPUU)
* Xtina Magwaza (Humans of Cape Town)
* Selma Kalhorn