‘Present Shapes’: A vibrant intervention in Bonteheuwel
In the heart of Cape Town lies Bonteheuwel, a community steeped in both history and resilience. Established in the 1940s as a ‘coloured’ township under apartheid, Bonteheuwel became a symbol of resistance and community solidarity. Despite facing forced removals and repression, residents engaged in activism, shaping its history. With apartheid’s end in 1994, Bonteheuwel embarked on a journey of renewal, seeking to address past injustices and improve living conditions. Today, it stands as a testament to resilience, though challenges persist. The township’s history reflects the broader struggle for equality in South Africa, epitomising the enduring spirit of its people in the face of adversity.
Here, amidst the intricate fabric of its streets, lies Freedom Square, a vibrant civic centre pulsating with life. Recently, this historic space welcomed a new addition — ‘Present Shapes’, a public artwork that seamlessly weaves together art, community, and this rich history. This urban enclave of Freedom Square, occupies a pivotal position along concentric roads that converge towards a central node, embodying the interconnectedness of its residents and their shared experience of its present urban condition.
The ‘Present Shapes’ project conceived by architect and conceptual artist Lorenzo Nassimbeni, seeks to celebrate, and highlight the rich cultural heritage of Bonteheuwel. Anchored in the ethos of community engagement and collaboration, the project endeavours to harness the collective creativity and wisdom of Bonteheuwel’s residents, empowering them to shape the narrative of their shared space.
The artist’s inspiration arose from an art workshop for junior school students in Bonteheuwel, conceived as a form of public artwork in itself. This creative collaboration resulted in a library screen installation, floor artworks, and murals, emerging as organic expressions of the students’ perspectives. Through a series of drawing exercises, students explored the essence of Bonteheuwel, metaphorically linking its elements to vibrant shapes for a dynamic collage. The artist then translated these imaginative drawings into the design of the library screen installation and floor artworks, encapsulating the workshop’s essence.
Positioned prominently in front of the library, the screen artwork not only complements the educational environment but also serves as a visual anchor. Its seamless integration with the floor artworks extended the vibrant narrative into the square, enriching its interactive nature. The realisation of the project’s concept involved collaborative efforts with TERRA+ Landscape Architects and the City of Cape Town, guided by community input. Despite navigating the complexities of the socio-political landscape, the project successfully fostered a sense of pride and belonging among the school students, contributing to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Bonteheuwel.
Material selection, guided by considerations of durability and aesthetic appeal, reflects a commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive cultural precinct. The choice of materials for the project was meticulously curated, with a focus on both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Rigid three-millimetre aluminium composite panels were selected for the library screen installation, providing a durable and visually striking backdrop for the artworks. Stainless steel nuts and bolts were employed to affix the laser-cut aluminium shapes to the ClearVu mesh of the library screen, ensuring a secure and long-lasting installation. ClearVu fencing served as the infill of the frame of the security screen, allowing light to permeate through to the library interior while maintaining a sense of security.
Additionally, the floor artworks were crafted from styrene-butadiene rubber, chosen for its suitability for play areas and its playful colour palette. This material not only provides a safe and hardy surface for children to play but also enhances the visual impact of the artworks, contributing to the dynamic atmosphere of Freedom Square. In addition to working with the younger generation of the Bonteheuwel community, Lorenzo approached the gifted local artist Shaunez Benting to produce two murals for the square. Shaunez brought this wealth of experience and knowledge of the urban context of Bonteheuwel to the project. It was a requirement of the project to work with a mural artist from Bonteheuwel, and the inclusion of Shaunez’s work proved a vital and successful part of the project. His design sensibility and insight into the younger generation of Bonteheuwel resulted in a set of murals which speak sensitively and profoundly to the library screen artwork and floor artworks.
‘Present Shapes’ stands as a testament to the power of public art in preserving community heritage and fostering social cohesion. By engaging with the lived experiences and aspirations of Bonteheuwel’s residents, Nassimbeni has created a positive spatial layer to Freedom Square which speaks of the potential of present and future generations of Bonteheuwel.
Photography by Bruce Sutherland & Southland Photography.
This article is an extract from our June Issue. Read the full issue here.
