Project Thuthukani – Clean up the trash. Clean up the mind
Mixed media on Masonite
126 cm x 90 cm
Artist’s Statement
To the Jury,
In this case, we’re going to show that through community and love, mountains can be moved. “Artist 1” was raised in Evaton West, his unfenced house located near a main road, facing a mountain of trash that had developed for over 10 years.
Normally, the whole street would be littered with papers, plastics and the smell of decaying animals. Households nearby tried (failingly) to individually control the situation through “no dumping” signs and random clean-ups.
In 2019, a group of youths started Project Thuthukani (uplifting one’s standard of living), which mobilised the community to eliminate dumpsites. Artist 1 met Artist 2 and both played central roles in this project, targeting a lack of services and unemployment. With willing hands and proper organisation, change became visible as we won the community’s support.
One of the remarkable solutions is the aspect of education with regard to waste management:
Food waste
Paper, cloth and plastic (dry trash)
Recyclables
The community benefited directly from this solution, as people who made a living from recycling scrap got recyclables without hassle, while farmers made use of food waste. We recycled paper to supplement volunteer stipends.
Two years of this project saw mountains of trash replaced with community gardens and businesses. Feuds were replaced with forgiveness, with members of the community taking responsibility for their lives.
It is with the understanding that, like law, art should serve mankind. Thus, we present this piece as evidence to the jury — and to the world — that this project is just and should be allowed to thrive throughout this country.
Foreground: The mother sweeping the pages in the book represents the hand of the present transforming the future, symbolising the child’s mind.
Background (from left to right): A horrific situation is being turned into a life-giving environment through working together.
I rest my case!