In celebration of World Oceans Day today, the inaugural ‘Sea Walls: Artists for Oceans‘ project has been announced in Cape Town.
Picture: Supplied
‘Sea Walls: Artists for Oceans South Africa’ is set for November this year and is a collaboration between SJ Artists and ocean media hub Wavescape. The two have teamed up with the global non-profit organisation the PangeaSeed Foundation. The Save Our Seas Foundation will present this public art initiative to celebrate its 20th anniversary at the forefront of marine conservation.
The project will commission artists to create 13 or more large-format murals around the Cape Peninsula, adding South Africa to PangeaSeed’s network of more than 500 murals in 19 countries created by more than 400 artists with the motto A Drop of Paint Can Create an Ocean of Change.
PangeaSeed founder Tre’ Packard has termed the synergy between art and activism ‘ARTivism’. The murals will evoke an emotional connection to ocean flora and fauna to drive public awareness of critical ocean issues.
The following South African artists are confirmed: Marti Macfly, Dbongz and Dirty Native, among many others. International artists will also be invited to participate. A festival will accompany the mural creation, featuring beach clean-ups with The Beach Co-op, ocean film screenings, and panel discussions at Jack Black’s Tap Room.
The founder of the Fischer Child Project Tracii Kwaai will collaborate to highlight the Walk of Remembrance. Poignant portraits of individuals from Kalk Bay dating back to the 1800s and 1900s, paying homage to their heritage, will be showcased.
CEO of the Save Our Seas Foundation James Lea said, ‘Striking art can connect with people in a way that science often struggles with, which is why we’re delighted to collaborate again with Sea Walls and Wavescape to present a stunning array of murals across Cape Town that highlight the majesty of our oceans. Through fostering peoples’ connection with nature, we strive to promote ocean stewards who can help advocate for the health of our oceans.’
To further engage the local community, Sea Walls has also partnered with Gardens Commercial High School for a creative collaboration with a selected artist. The students would hold workshops to develop a mural design as a way to actively participate in its creation.
A series of thought-provoking podcasts hosted by Stephen Shooter from Shredding the Gnar will provide in-depth discussions with personalities, including artists, stakeholders, and community members. The project is made possible by a collaboration with the South African Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
As Colin Whitehead of Whiteheads Painting Contractors, who will prep the walls for the murals, affirms: ‘The oceans of our planet sustain us, not only physically, but mentally too. Without them, we would be lost. We believe in sustainability and promoting goodwill.’
Sea Walls welcomes accommodation assistance for visiting team members and artists. Additional financial support from organizations and individuals is greatly appreciated. If you would like to offer up a wall, volunteer or offer sponsorship, contact Shani Judes at +27 83 509 5105 or [email protected].
Pictures: GettyImages
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