Henry Albertus showing us his second story view
Henry Albertus was one of the first settlers of Vryground, or, in Afrikaans, “free ground”. It is now more commonly known as Capricorn Township. Thes informal settlements, or townships, are living structures set up on Council land. Because they are not designed for housing, water and electricity are not a part of the formula.
Traditionally the houses are one story units made from corrugated metal, plastics, glass and wood. However, Henry Albertus, who has spent his life reading and exploring various modes of the construction industry, has spent his life in Vryground breaking the traditional township house rules. By recycling rubbish from junkyards and recycling them into many-leveled sculptural castles, Albertus has built works which echo architecture from all over the world!
Traditionally the houses are one story units made from corrugated metal, plastics, glass and wood. However, Henry Albertus, who has spent his life reading and exploring various modes of the construction industry, has spent his life in Vryground breaking the traditional township house rules. By recycling rubbish from junkyards and recycling them into many-leveled sculptural castles, Albertus has built works which echo architecture from all over the world!
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When we first entered Henry’s house, I could hear Amy Goodman on the radio: a familiar voice in a foreign place. As soon as we started talking with Henry, he too, made us feel right at home. A self-taught architect scavenger, Albertus personally hauled by hand all the building materials that he recycled from the Vryground dump, almost a mile away! He also collected items from various jobsites throughout the area where he also acquired carpentry and gardening skills over many decades.
Henry will exhibit his craftsmanship and vision for Dreamland in the entry room @ Mattress Factory, opening Friday, May 25th.
For more info, check out the official MF announcement here!
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