Jo'burg art pick: January 27 2012

This week sees the opening of the first solo show by graffiti artist Philip Botha, who has been spraying walls for more than 12 years.

Botha has produced work in tunnels and on rooftops and has done some gallery work.

His commissioned projects include live installations performed for big brands, including ­Unilever, SAB, Smirnoff, Ecko Unltd, Lee Jeans, le coq sportif, K-Swiss, Coca-Cola and Mr Price. Titled Community Service, his artist’s statement says the exhibition brings “chunks of the urban environment into the gallery space. It is an examination of the notions of community and environment. It is a look into the urban environment by an individual who occupies that environment.”

The pieces work in layers of graffiti and also include nightclub event posters, ­election posters, abortion flyers and signwriting.

Main Street Life Gallery, Maboneng Precinct, Fox Street. The opening is on February 2 at 6pm.