Gutentor Advanced TextThe Century City Arts Foundation has unveiled a vibrant mural that highlights key icons of Century City. This eye-catching artwork, rich with colour, reflects the theme of “I Love Century City,” capturing the spirit and essence of the community. The mural serves as a tribute to the precinct’s unique identity and a visual celebration of its landmarks, inviting both residents and visitors to connect with the dynamic culture of Century City.
“The completed mural has blown us away,” says John Chapman, Century City Arts Foundation (CCAF) Chairman. “The CCAF sought proposals for a site-specific original and durable public work of art that illustrates the “I love Century City” campaign, and artists were invited to submit a proposal for this exciting opportunity to provide an appropriately sized outdoor art piece located on a wall of the Hillsong Church, facing the Nine Palms development.”
Standing 30 meters wide and 15 meters high, this vibrant artwork is a striking celebration of Century City, bursting with rich colours and intricate details. Its scale is so impressive that it can even be admired from the sky, making it a true landmark that captures the area’s essence in vivid, high-definition colour.
“Mpumelelo Bhengu’s proposal depicting various icons and elements of Century City in an urban and illustrative manner was unanimously voted as the proposal that depicted the essence of I love Century City the best,” explains Chapman.
John Chapman, Mpumelelo Bhengu, Viv Gutsche, Chris Blackshaw
Icons such as Canal Walk, the MyCiTi bus, taxis, Intaka Island, and much more are scrambled together in a bright and happy illustration.
When asked about his favourite part of the creative process, Bhengu shared that he enjoyed every aspect. He expressed great satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “We are delighted with the result.” Seeing his concept come to life on such a large scale was particularly thrilling for him, noting that it was the biggest project they had worked on so far.
Originally from Durban but now based in Cape Town, Mpumelelo spent years working as an art director after studying Visual Communications at the Vega School, a leading art college in South Africa. Now a full-time illustrator and mural artist, he has attracted an impressive client list, including global brands across a wide range of industries. He’s a dreamer who LOVES to draw, and it shows through imagery inspired by graffiti, architecture, Hip-Hop, cartoons, comics, and computer games.
“This permanent outdoor installation will be highly visible to the growing number of pedestrians and motorists along Century Boulevard,” Chapman says. “We encourage everyone to visit, explore, and try identifying the various elements depicted in the mural. It’s a great opportunity to take photos, engage with the art, and enjoy this vibrant masterpiece!”
The Century City Art Trail’s permanent exhibition consists of mosaics, paintings, architectural pieces, and sculptures. The I Love Century City mural is the 30th artwork in the Art Trail.
In addition, the Anton Smit Open Air exhibition is a 32-piece exhibition by the world-famous sculptor. Century City is also home to the Long March to Freedom, which has 101 life-sized bronze sculptures of South African history heroes, with more bronzes being added as funding becomes available.