Meet Ralph Ziman aka Afrika47 | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ralph Ziman aka Afrika47 and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ralph, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and came of age in apartheid South Africa. Growing up in that environment a person either buries their head in the sand and denies it exists or sees and embraces the problems and understands the terrible impact they have on the people around you. When I was growing up, South Africa was brutal and violent. There was strife and uprisings in the townships. We had a war in Angola against the Soviets, the Cubans, East Germans and the MPLA. At home, the army was being sent into the townships in what looked like a civil war. When I was 19 I left South Africa to avoid fighting for a government and a system I had no liking for whatsoever. I lived in the UK without legal status for years.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Prior to becoming a multidisciplinary visual artist, I was a film and music video director, and wrote and directed my own films. It took over 400 music videos for me to learn that I had my own vision for how to get work done, and to start making my own artwork. My art practice combines both visual art and activism, produced in the form of photography, sculpture, textiles, documentary, murals and large scale installations. Most of the work shines a spotlight on the growing international arms trade, trophy hunting, and the war-torn countries that are affected by many human rights issues. My art projects tend to take years to complete, and I work with a very big team of people.

I tend not to follow trends or styles. I believe that art should be original. I work primarily with African beadwork on a very large scale.

I don’t think many things in life are easy but the important thing is to persevere, to keep going when things are rough, to take the failure along with the success and apply those lessons moving forward.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many amazing neighborhoods in Los Angeles. I love the vegan Mexican restaurants and bakeries around Mariachi Square in Boyle Heights. Amazing views of the city, authentic food and atmosphere. I love the DTLA Arts District with its museums, galleries and street art. I love Venice, great food, restaurants like Gjelina, Great White, Butcher’s Daughter. It’s where art meets crime meets surf culture. I could go on and on…

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I work with an amazing team of people, from around the world. The majority of my team is either in South Africa where I’m from, or in Los Angeles, CA where I currently live and work. I like the collaboration and input of the team. This is dedicated to all the really talented people I work with.

Website: www.ralphziman.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afrika_47/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RalphZiman

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ralphziman3189

Image Credits
Simone Niamani, Nic Hofmeyer, Fred Hoerr, Ralph Ziman