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Artist Dbongz Mahlati creates street art mural for new season of Star Wars: The Mandalorian, currently streaming on Disney+. His brief: to bring The Mandalorian to life while representing South Africa. It's located at Kingsmead College on Oxford Road, next to the Gautrain station in Rosebank, Joziburg. Pix in the comments >>

TVSA Team
14 Mar 2023 16:00

Details from Dbongz in this Q&A with him:

What was the inspiration behind the Star Wars: Mandalorian Season 3 artwork?

Beads are a huge part of South African culture, we have used these for various spiritual and decorative reasons, they also unite the different tribes in our country. The idea was to create something that brings The Mandalorian home to SA and make it relatable to us.

How did you merge your design aesthetic and style with that of Star Wars: The Mandalorian Season 3?

I did that by capturing the valor and energy of Season 3 and keeping true to the original helmet design while adding some color and charisma to it.

How would you describe the mural in three words?

This mural is POWER, STRENGTH and UNITY.

How did you get into mural painting?

Like most muralists, I started on the streets, but I took a more artistic approach when I started working with big brands, I really focus on photo realism.

How would you describe your artistic style?

My style is hyperrealism.

What inspires your art?

I am inspired by the township story. I like to tell black South African stories through my art, showing both our challenges and aspirations.

For people who are not familiar with mural painting, what are the main techniques that you use?

I use spray paint and acrylic to create large scale photo realistic murals.

What do you want the public to take away from your Star Wars: The Mandalorian Season 3 mural?

That there is always a Way to make anything happen, especially what seems hard!

What is your advice for up-and-coming young artists in South Africa?

Be authentic, tell your story through your art. Don’t get caught up in your own hype and always work on improving your skill!

Tashi
15 Mar 2023 17:15

I'd really love something like this for the vibracrete wall that runs along the side of my place, with windows facing onto it.

I can imagine looking out the window at the wall and seeing something spectacular and meaningful. It would be like having an outside artwork, inside, but not.