Artrest is gallery and restaurant created by a young visual artist named Teboho (Tebza) Mofokeng. His vision was to rebuild a dilapidated family room into kasi (township) chic restaurant where he could put his own works of art up for sale. The income from serving good African cuisine, selling works of art and taking up work commissioned by patrons would help feed and educate his younger siblings.
In 2013 Radile Mokone joined Artrest. With all his 6 years of work experience in Europe he had never quiet met a character like Teboho. He admired the creativity of Teboho’s business and the incredible story of how it was built. Most of all Radile was impressed with how Tebza’s art encourages environmental awareness in the community. In most of the pieces Tebza used junk from the surrounding area and recyclable goods to create exceptional sculptures and paintings. Together they envisioned a place that could help township entrepreneurs grow their businesses into something great. This business hub is called Sharpeville link. As Sharpeville link expanded its membership the Artrest team extended their vision to building the economy of Sharpeville. Radile and Teboho feel proud of the rich history of Sharpeville. They both feel that there is enough history to deserve a museum. They believe that if a world class museum were to be built in Sharpeville the town would be able to attract more tourists which would result in the opportunity to create and/or grow the businesses in the community. Furthermore the government would be forced to tar the roads in Sharpeville. This has been a particular gripe in the community for the last 20 years because the lack of proper road infrastructure prevents them from partaking in certain businesses. All the shared experiences with Artrest and the Sharpeville Link community ignited the flame of fighting for the human rights of Sharpeville residents. Sharpeville link also unearthed many artists who want to engage with entrepreneurship and activism. These include writers, photographers, poets, musicians and filmmakers who want to be part of the movement. These two positively minded youths have managed to vitalize the youth, employed professionals and elders of Sharpeville. The crowning jewel amongst their 2013 achievements was to walk into the Mandela Haughton home with a fresco style Mandela portrait and hand it directly to the family on behalf of the people of Sharpeville. The painting was made by Teboho Mofokeng, documented by Radile Mokone and many materials were donated by community members to form a part of the painting. They are championing the fight to improve their Kasi. Watch the space ;)
http://citizen.co.za/19916/madiba-painting-cons-condemned/
http://www.sabc.co.za/news/a/16b08b804219b05b9582bd1c2eddf908/Parliament-to-commemorate-Madibas-life-20130612
http://gazetaweb.globo.com/mobile/noticia.php?c=356365&e=3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxZYdh27tj8
http://www.sabc.co.za/news/a/16b08b804219b05b9582bd1c2eddf908/Parliament-to-commemorate-Madibas-life-20130612
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ARTREST Gallery/ Ramo Advertising PTY LTD / Sharpeville Link
+27 16 451 1647
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