The chevron is a common symbol on the streets of Johannesburg and South African Street Artist r1 recently completed a new public art piece made entirely of them. Using 180 chevron plates from street-signs he drilled 400 holes into the 11 x 16 meter wall here, evoking the patterning of traditional African craftwork design and the modern digital aesthetic of repetitive replication concurrently.

By incorporating the visual language of the street with actual signage and reflective vinyl r1 enjoys the full effect when nighttime traffic lights hit the piece and the pattern nearly vibrates, electrifying the immediate streetscape.

r1. Johannesburg, South Africa. (photo © r1)

r1. Johannesburg, South Africa. (photo © r1)

r1. Johannesburg, South Africa. (photo © r1)

r1. Johannesburg, South Africa. (photo © r1)

r1. Johannesburg, South Africa. (photo © r1)

238

138

45