Superhero Puppet Project: Cape Town, Baltimore & Pittsburgh 2018

Charlie Jansen
Civil Rights and Civil Wrongs: South Africa and US, May 25 – July 29, 2018
Materials
papier mâché, cardboard, paint, scrap materials, plastic bags

Formerly incarcerated, I know what it is like to grow up in the Vrygrond Township. I have personally traveled down roads that are put before my students. Most importantly, I understand the impact of Art (hopes/dreams) and Leadership (heroes/mentors).

Description

Every Superhero rises out of the ashes of some sort of tragedy. Their planet blows up, their parents get killed in front of them, etc. We all have our own personal struggles and live in communities where tragedy strikes.

In this installation, students consider their own history and neighborhoods. What kind of superheroes are needed and why? Do these characters have a nemesis or a sidekick? What is their power and what is their passion? In other words, what is their story?

 

Curated by Tavia La Follette

About the Artist

Charlie Jansen is trained as a Community Art Facilitator and muralist and works at the Butterfly Project in Cape Town, serving low income families from pre-school to adulthood.