At Cemcrete, we’re continually inspired by the truly creative ways our products are used, but every so often, a project comes along that stops us in our tracks. Conduit II, a sculptural installation by artist Mandy Johnston, is one of those projects.
We go behind the scenes of Mandy’s artistic journey, from her inspiration and the cultural significance of her work to the hands-on techniques that brought her vision to life. We’re proud to support artists like Mandy, who use their craft, and our products, to spark meaningful conversations.
We go behind the scenes of Mandy’s artistic journey, from her inspiration and the cultural significance of her work to the hands-on techniques that brought her vision to life. We’re proud to support artists like Mandy, who use their craft, and our products, to spark meaningful conversations.
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About the Artist
Mandy Johnston is a multidisciplinary artist whose work explores materiality, transformation, and human connection. Her sculptural installations often include performative elements that highlight the materials themselves as much as the messages they carry. Through her art, Mandy seeks to challenge and reframe cultural and societal belief systems, inviting viewers into meaningful dialogue. About AfrikaBurn AfrikaBurn is more than an event; it’s a cultural movement rooted in creativity, collaboration, and radical self-expression. Held annually in the Tankwa Karoo, South Africa, it brings people together to co-create art, music, performance, and community. Guided by values like gifting, immediacy, and inclusivity, it inspires meaningful connections and challenges societal norms. Mandy was awarded a community-voted grant to create an installation for the 2025 edition, an opportunity to contribute to the festival’s legacy of transformative art. 
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The Concept Behind Conduit II The title Conduit II reflects the idea that we are more than physical beings: “We are conduits of thought and makers of meaning.” Mandy’s intention was to spark conversations around life’s pivotal transitions and the role of community in supporting them. She observed that as traditional rites of passage fade from modern life, so too do the support systems they once provided. Through this work, she asks: How can we reimagine these moments? How can we build new rituals that strengthen our connections to one another? Each sculptural figure was designed to evolve over the course of the event, physically embodying transformation and the marks left by time, environment, and experience. |
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The Role of Cemcrete Products in the Sculptures
To bring her vision to life, Mandy used a selection of Cemcrete products tailored for durability, workability, and aesthetic flexibility. The result stands as a testament to how versatile and expressive these materials can be in the hands of a visionary artist.
These materials gave Mandy the flexibility to shape intricate forms, layer detail, and achieve a weather-resistant finish, all while being relatively straightforward to use and never compromising her creative flow. |
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How would you describe the process of using Cemcrete’s products for your sculptures?
“I think the product is excellent. It is straightforward and easy to use. It is durable and the fact that it can be used in thin layers and self-adheres makes it a great choice.”
Did the sculptures match your vision?
“Exactly as planned.”
“I think the product is excellent. It is straightforward and easy to use. It is durable and the fact that it can be used in thin layers and self-adheres makes it a great choice.”
Did the sculptures match your vision?
“Exactly as planned.”