Martha Cooper Trainspotting in Johannesburg and Cape Town

Although penalties for painting on South African trains can be harsh, there is a thriving graff scene in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The bright yellow metro line cars provide a colorful background for pieces, many of which last for years as there is no buffing program. I didn’t have as much time as I would have liked to shoot trains but with a little help from local writers I got to some good locations including a sort of trackside writer’s bench. I felt like I was back in the ‘80’s!

Text and Photo: Martha Cooper