The Glass Recycling Company (TGRC) has announced the winner of their inaugural Art for Glass Graffiti Competition, the exceptionally talented Dbongz Mahalathi. Pre-empting this competition, was the realisation that many individuals are keen to recycle, but often are not sure where to do so. For this reason, TGRC hosted the competition to draw Jozi residents’ attention to the numerous glass banks in the city.

The process saw the top three finalists having to paint various glass banks in Johannesburg, their glass bank entries then went through a gruelling judging process.  Second place was awarded to Durban resident, the Damn Vandal and third place to admired artist, Mars.

Dbongz as he is known, is a self-taught, graffiti/street artist from Mohlakeng, located in the west of Johannesburg. He started participating in graffiti and street art in 2008, when he first came to the city to attend university. He fell in love with the vibrance it provoked in mundane spaces. He is well-known for his large-scale portraits.

CEO of The Glass Recycling Company, Shabeer Jhetam commented on the process of selecting a winner; “It was not an easy task with so many talented graffiti artists entering the competition and a phenomenal line up of the three finalists. The artworks showcased by the finalists on our glass banks is incredible. To help us select the final winner, various criteria and factors were considered including use of colour, environmental consideration, overall likeability, creativity and technique.”

Glass banks that have been painted include one on Bompas Road, Dunkeld; Corner Café, Craighall; Macy’s Spar in Alberton; Engen Garage on Malibongwe Dr; one at Caltex on Cedar Road in Fourways and one at Moyo at Zoo Lake.