Meet Mak1one

WORDS: Remy Raitt | PHOTOS: Fay Jackson

Have you seen VISI’s celebratory World Design Capital mural on the corner of Bree and Riebeek streets in Cape Town? You might recognise the style as that of one of the country’s most notorious graffiti artists, Mak1one.

Spraying tags and pieces since his early teens, Mak1one (Maxwell Southgate) says he’s been itching to paint this wall, so really relished this opportunity. Along with a few fellow street artists, Mak1one spent Tuesday night creating the traffic-stopping piece, which really has been slowing down cars and bringing pedestrians to a halt.

As a full-time graffiti artist (he says the term “street artist” is too narrow), Mak1one spends his days and nights spraying walls and planning pieces in his notebook. All his work is done freehand and brought to life with wall and spray paint. But he’s also a master of 3D chalking, 3D wall installations and painting with light. It’s hard to believe that he never had any formal training in art.

Like most people in his line of work, Mak1one has had a few minor run-ins with the law – but nothing too serious. His work can be seen all over Cape Town, on Long Street, in the CBD, in District 6 and now at the VISI office.

And although you might see his work there, Mak1one says he doesn’t and will not live in Woodstock. “It’s too trendy for me,” he says.

The world’s new Design Capital 2014, Cape Town features graffiti throughout its city and suburb streets – perhaps one of the many attractions recognised by the World Design Capital judges.

With the title of World Design Capital 2014 firmly in the grip of the Mother City, perhaps more of her people will be inspired to follow their creative dreams – just like Mak1one.

More information: www.sjartists.co.za

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