Artists Make Statement By Draping Kimberleys Rhodes Statue

Kimberley visual artists have used their artistic expression to paint the statue of Cecil John Rhodes with brown washable paint and wrap it with a white cloth.

In an act that sent shockwaves around town, some residents accused the artists of vandalising the historic monument.

The artist behind the act says it was used as an artistic statement against colonialism and to draw attention about their upcoming four-day Arts festival.

Artist and organiser Tshepo Tlhalogang says, We were basically trying to, not only give an artistic response but also start a conversation around these public pieces of art which not only represent oppression, like that one of Cecil Rhodes, but also out heritage. Like the one of Sol Plaatje. We did not vandalise the statue. The material that was smeared will go off. It was just an act of symbolism.