Hennessy – the world’s leading cognac brand-has commissioned South African street-turned-studio artist FaithXLVII (read as Faith 47) to complete its iconic Mural Trilogy. The trilogy has been seven years in the making and pays tribute to South African game-changers. It features Nelson Mandela, depicted by international artist Shepard Fairey in 2014 (Braamfontein); Yvonne Chaka Chaka, brought to life by Portuguese street artist Vhils in 2018 (Maboneng); and now, FaithXLVII’s tribute to women, which was unveiled on Smit Service Road in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
The spectacular mural is just another expression of the continued affiliation between Hennessy VerySpecial and urban culture. Last year, the Maison Hennessy announced its global collaboration with FaithXLVII for the design of its tenth annual Hennessy Very Special Limited Edition. As the guest artist, FaithXLVII was also the first female voice and first South African to join the LimitedEdition series; a formidable artistic lineage that features internationally acclaimed talents such as Felipe Pantone, Vhils, JonOne, Shepard Fairey, Os Gemeos and Futura.
The final piece of the trilogy was unveiled at an exclusive event in Braamfontein – a creative, urban culture hub-which saw artists and creatives such as MC Scoop Makhathini, Osmic Menoe and the likes come together to celebrate.
Khomotso Ledwaba, Brand Manager for Hennessy SA, says, “We are proud to continue our partnership with this global talent. Who better than FaithXLVII-a fellow South African and embodiment of our NeverStop. Never Settle brand philosophy-to complete the Mural Trilogy.
“As an artist, activist and game-changer in her field, FaithXLVII builds on our longstanding commitment to forge ties with pioneers of urban culture. It has been a privilege to work with her and to reflect on the artistic synergies between both herself as an artist and us as a brand. It’s an important moment for us in our ongoing effort to partner with artists who are part of a global movement.”
In the final instalment of the trilogy, the brand continues to explore the alchemy of the artistic process, as it collaborates with Faith XLVII to pay tribute to powerful South African icons. “Following the themes of the Shepard and Vhils murals, who both celebrated iconic South African figures, Mandela and Yvonne Chaka Chaka, I decided to honour the women of Johannesburg,”says Faith XLVII.
“I generally don’t project into how an audience should interpret a work, but I am hoping the final mural conveys the vibrance and electricity of Johannesburg, a city I have loved since childhood. This while paying tribute to the powerful women who shape the city’s culture,” she concludes.
