So it seems like nothing is sacred in this country at the moment. Recently the huge, Mandela-inspired Ray-Ban art installation was defaced by a group so-called activists, who call themselves ‘Tokolos’. Check them out on Facebook.

The organisation describes itself as an anonymous group of stencil and graffiti artists, activists and other concerned citizens. Yawn. Get a real job and stop defacing public property!

The 60m2 installation was created in conjunction with the City of Cape Town as part of World Design Capital 2014. Michael Elion, its creator, says he is not fazed by the criticism his artwork has been receiving on social media. Many people are offended by the structure, calling it an advertisement for Ray-Ban rather than a tribute to Mandela.

“It’s actually the other way around, I went to them (Ray-Ban). I had an idea for an artwork that had to with perception.”

 

It would be very interesting to hear his thoughts on Tokolos’ tasteful additions to the art piece…

Read more on the unfolding story at ewn