A Scope into the City : Top 3 picks off our Johannesburg shelves by Lukanyo Mbanga
I moved to Johannesburg in 2021. I was bushy-tailed, ready to soak in all the opportunities that come my way. But I wasn’t bright-eyed. When you’ve lived your whole life in the slow-paced, flip flop-wearing, ocean-breeze city of Durban, Johannesburg can’t help but feel like a concrete jungle. Cold, heartless and everyman for themselves. Well, I wasn’t wrong. But I wasn’t right either. You see, if South Africa is a body of art, culture and history– then it goes without saying that Jozi is its heart.
Let’s explore why through these top three picks!
1. I Love You I Hate You
A book about Johannesburg in two parts. The first is told through design. The second part is told through the essays of 34 writers describing a complicated relationship with Johannesburg.
Much like these collections of essays, my relationship with Johannesburg has turned in to tango of love and hate. Walking through the glossy corporate buildings, dodging high stilettos and even higher beggars there’s an essence that cloaks every part of the city. It tells you that everywhere you walk, history was made, and you are now a part of it. It’s a place where grime and hardship meet wealth and higher ranks.
2. Soweto
Going beyond Soweto’s historic struggles with apartheid, these images instead reveal the traditional importance of art, dance, and fashion in the community’s daily life—and to showcase a new cosmopolitan energy as the people reinvent themselves and their urban space.
So where to now? Soweto. The biggest township in South Africa. The first township to have a shopping mall, an independent cinema and even bicycle lanes. A place where millionaires neighbor the poor . Where resilient minds and talents came home to rest or be inspired. In a single still, Jodi Bieber captures the now, the vibrant, the bizarre and the beauty of Soweto.
3. Art and Justice: The Art of the Constitutional Court of South Africa
The book pays tribute to the extraordinary vision of the architects and judges of the Court who sought to bring together, in the most inspiring, innovative and dignified way possible, art and the workings of justice, and to give a public soul to the new Court building.
I’d say it’s quite unique for a country’s highest court to have an open art gallery. But art is rooted in every facet of this country whether socially or judicially. Therefore seeing the rotation of incredible works, some of which are hand-picked by Chief Justices themselves is must! This priceless book is a David Krut Publishing, showing both the architectural vision and art collection of the Constitutional court of South Africa.
That wraps it up, folks. But there’s only more where that came from! THE BLUE HOUSE is a known treasure within the city. Herein lies a place where art and history is celebrated, with a true Johannesburg pride. So if you’re new to Johannesburg— grab a coffee, come over and learn a thing or two!
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