Joburg Gay Pride 2011; Desire & Aspire.

Pride of Africa

Joburg Pride 2011 celebrated its 22 years of existence at Zoo Lake Sports Club on Saturday the 1^st of October. The theme this year was Born This Gay. The celebration started with the usual march through the streets of Rosebank, starting and finishing at Zoo Lake. This year’s focus was directed at upholding our liberal and all inclusive constitution; calling for the protection of all human rights contained therein, but especially those sexual minorities who are victimized on a daily basis. (as cited in the official Guide for Joburg Pride, Pride of Africa).

Joburg Pride 2011(official website link) is therefore proud to present its theme for 2011 – Born This Gay. The aim is to creatively, without fail and without shame, encourage society to speak out and take action against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender hate crime. The entire community needs to consistently drive the message that being gay, lesbian, transgender or intersex is NOT a fashion statement, a sickness, a crime, a curse or a choice.

Since the first democratic election held 17 years ago, in 1994, we would have hoped for some change, increased education, protection and justice. We live in a society with the most liberal constitution in the world, however discrimination and abuse is an everyday occurrence; If being in the closet is hard enough – then living a life with issues being swept under the carpet is even worse.

These images showcase the festive spirit of the Party ; a Gay celebration of freedom of association. The event, as always, was stunningly organized and marvelously supported and held in a good spirit. Not to be missed if you wish to enjoy yourself in a place with arguably the best party goers in the business (in solidarity of course).

All inhibitions were forgotten during the parade as lovers, friends, acquaintances and the inquisitive, all joined in the thirst quenching party at the Zoo Lake Sports Club (no alcohol was permitted to be consumed during the Parade). The outrageous attire and well-toned flesh provided a to be desired and aspired appeal amongst the party goers. This was an opportunity to be, and to be seen, adore and be adorned. 

This event, held annually during the months of spring, provides a perfect platform for body-perfect vehicles to drive home desires amongst the aspiring revelers. Joburg Pride annually is an event to express yourself, to forget yourself, be true to yourself and or just admire the other being and enjoying themselves.

Liebermann Pottery; Adriaan Turgel, the pottery detective.

Situated in Johannesburg, opposite the University of Johannesburg Auckland Park Bunting Road Campus (location of the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture and the Hotel School), is Liebermann Pottery. 

The space and the ceramics is synonymous with Adiraan Turgel, an enthusiastic and determined entrepreneur, with a passion for ceramics. Established in 1952 by Sammy Liebermann and inspired by the Bernard Leach, Shoji Hamada tradition. For many years, it produced a wide variety of handmade cottage tableware, even supplying restaurant-chains across the country (Mikes Kitchens and Spurs).

Sales Office.

Variety of Liebermann pottery

Spiritual corner.

The space and place is constantly transformed by the pottery detective himself, its look and feel formed and shaped by ceramic imports; new arrivals in all shapes and sizes, mainly from Asian countries. China and Vietnam to be more specific. Garden pots, tableware, fine bone china, sculptural ceramic ornaments and even traditional politically charged Chinese memorabilia (propagandist) are for sale here at reasonable prices. 

This pottery offers the largest collection of asian pots in the country  and includes the biggest collection of bonsai pots on the continent.

Every little space, inside and outside of this historic landmark, the Gasworks, is packed with ceramics. Many an architectural student at Wits and at UJ has had to apply their design skills in an attempt to find creative solutions to better utilize this space. 

However the present utilization of the space, home to a vast number of ceramic products of various oriental styles including Liebermann's pottery itself, is a feast for the eyes. 

The stacking of the pots ‘en masse’ creates a unique visual experience; the closest one would ever get here in Jozi, to a Chinese Pottery on the continent of Africa.

It is in close proximity to the now well-established shopping precinct of Stanley 44. Little courtyards and alleys in a reconstructed industrial space create interesting revamped and configured interior spaces for fine restaurants, shops, a gallery titled Art on Paper and a fabulous bakery. This is as local and intimate as it gets, for a truly authentic shopping experience. Lofts occupied by trendy residents make this location one of our most successful contemporary style shopping and cultural precincts in the city – in line with contemporary consumer expectations for a value adding experience. Value for money is served with a local and sophisticated flavour, creating a stylish and vibrant atmosphere. The smell of freshly roasted coffee (Beanthere) permeates the air from a distance, whilst the allure of fresh bread Vovotelo Bakery, makes this a thirst-quenching watering hole for the discerning shopper. The trees have now grown to a desirable height and the few fountains with churning waters makes it a very special place indeed – Mill park’s oasis.