city centre

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76 Youth uprising art piece

Following Route 67 up from Market Square towards the Donkin Reserve visitors would see a very interesting art piece just past St Mary's Cathedral.  The 76 Youth piece was the result of a workshop collaboration and is a statement about the '76 generation and represents the spiritual journey undertaken by those who fought against oppression, specially those involved in the uprisings in the late 60's and 70's.  

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11/04/2014
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Then and Now – Queen Victoria Statue and Public Library

One of Port Elizabeth's best known historic landmarks is the Public Library with the statue of Queen Victoria in front of it.  The statue of Queen Vic was unveiled by major of Port Elizabeth, J.C. Kemsley, on 30 September 1903.  It was carved from Sicilian marble by Edward Roscoe Mullins of London to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee which took place in 1897 and was paid for my public subscription.  The first site preferred was in front of the City Hall but…

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01/04/2014
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The fishbone on Market Square

You often see chicken bones lying around in public.  More than likely left overs from a KFC meal dropped while eating on the go.  But what if you suddenly encounter a fish bone?  One bigger than yourself?  Well, then you either stumbled on what is left of a whale that washed up somewhere or you are standing on Market Square in Port Elizabeth.  The Fishbone art piece by Imbono FJA Architects is an architectural element intended to visually anchor the…

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14/03/2014
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Identities under the freeway

After yesterday's post of the bus station art, we are staying on Strand Street under the freeway.  Ten art pieces called Identities by artist Lubhi Mtathi can be seen on the freeway pillars.  The series are all powerful and evocative portraits that depict young South Africans from a range of cultural backgrounds dispelling racial and cultural stereotyping. 

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07/03/2014
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Bus station art

Everybody who has taken the bus into town and gotten on or off in the downtown bus station would remember how dark and dodgy it used to be.  Since it's been opened up as part of the Strand Street and Route 67 redevelopments things have changed a bit and its a lot more open and lighter.Adding even more colour and cheerfulness to the area is the Route 67 Bus Station Mural by 4BlindMice celebrating public transport and the daily journeys…

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06/03/2014
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Harbour Board Building entrance

The historic Harbour Board Building (often referred to as the 'White Building') on the corner of Flemming Street and Strand Street was built in 1904 and used for 70 years for harbor administration by the South African Railways and Harbours.  Most people pass it while on the Settlers Freeway and only get to see it's top, but the exterior of the building has massive and impressive stonework.  The inside is even more spectacular with richly ornamented woodwork and stained glass windows.  The…

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31/01/2014
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St Mary’s arch

The figure on the arch entrance way outside St Mary's Catholic Cathedral in the Port Elizabeth city centre

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23/12/2013
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Downtown PE from the harbour

A slightly different view of downtown Port Elizabeth seen from on board of the Jester in the PE Harbour

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16/12/2013
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34 Lights on Route 67

 The Mosaic Stairs from the bottom of the Donkin Reserve up towards the Great Flag at the top is lined with 34 Lights.  Each light has a different object on top of it.  The 34 lights represent the journey along the Voting Queue and Mosaic Stairs, telling a story about past, present and future.  The lights form part of Route 67 and was a collaborative project.

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29/11/2013
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PE landmarks

The Donkin Reserve with Route 67 is my favorite photographic location in Port Elizabeth.  There is so many different subjects to photograph and so many different angles to use.  Over the years the Donkin Memorial (Pyramid) and the Hill Lighthouse has become iconic landmarks in Port Elizabeth and is well worth snapping a picture of.

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24/11/2013