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By Andrew Sprawson -
Mad About Maboneng -
Photo by Dook
WORDS Malibongwe Tyilo
Inspired by Andrew Sprawson’s poignant ballpoint-pen drawing of Maboneng, we put together this quick guide to one of the most happening places in South Africa right now.
Inner-city rejuvenation has been a catch phrase in SA cities for a while now. It can be a tricky process that is unkind to the identities of the original residents – and can only really be labelled a success if it balances the needs of both old and new inhabitants.
That is the magic of Maboneng Precinct in inner-city Johannesburg. While its arty residents and businesses sometimes seem in contrast to Jozi’s tough streets, the precinct does not shy away from the identity of its location in the east of the city. It is not an easy balance to maintain, and at times one can feel a slight lifestyle tension in the air. But it is this paradox, this search for an identity that embraces a contradictory existence, which attracts so much artistic talent to the area.
You only have to visit Arts On Main, the 12 Decades Art Hotel, or the annual STR.CRD youth culture and music festival held at the precinct to witness the forward-thinking attitudes that are redefining this part of Jozi.
Perhaps one of the best expressions of the contradictions shaping this new inner-city existence is Andrew Sprawson’s Car Guard. The ballpoint-pen drawing depicts a lonely late-night car guard outside the 12 Decades Art Hotel, and is shortlisted in the 2012 Absa L’Atelier Art Awards. Says Andrew, “I am fascinated by the side effects of inner-city gentrification. Though the subject is a local resident, his living is earned by guarding the luxury cars that belong to visitors to the area.”
When in Maboneng…
Stay & Play
12 Decades Art Hotel Situated on the top floor of the Main Street Life building, this boutique hotel has 12 rooms, each individually designed by a top SA designer. The hotel’s Rooftop Bar has become a popular hangout for some of Joburg’s hippest crowds, especially on Sunday afternoons, when its eclectic Sunday in the City event features some of the city’s hottest deejays.
• 011 026 5601, 12decadeshotel.co.za
Eat
The Canteen Concrete walls softened by mismatched furniture characterises this inner-city eatery, located between the galleries at Arts on Main.
• 011 334 5947, artsonmain.co.za
Shop
Loincloth and Ashes Local fashion designer Anisa Mpungwe has opened a flagship boutique at the revamped Main Change building at 20 Kruger Street.
• 072 143 2312, loinclothandashes.com
