The inaugural Sea Walls: Artists for Oceans project in Cape Town was announced as part of World Oceans Day (June 8) celebrations.
Set for November 2023, Sea Walls: South Africa is a collaboration between SJ Artists and ocean media hub Wavescape, who have teamed up with global non-profit organisation the PangeaSeed Foundation.
This unique public art initiative is presented by the Save Our Seas Foundation 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’.
This synergy between art and activism has resulted in the term ‘ARTivism’, coined by PangeaSeed founder, Tre’ Packard, who will be in Cape Town for the project that sees blank walls transformed into vibrant works of art in suburbs that include Camps Bay, Sea Point, CBD, Khayelitsha, Hanover Park, Muizenberg, and Kalk Bay.
The murals aim to evoke an emotional connection to ocean flora and fauna to drive public awareness on critical ocean issues.
The following South African artists are confirmed: Marti Macfly, Dbongz, Dirty Native, Amy-Lee Tak, These 10 Fingers, Marie-Louise Koen, Sonny, Breeze Yoko, and CareOne. International artists will also be invited to participate.
A festival will accompany the creation of the murals, featuring beach clean-ups with The Beach Co-op, ocean film screenings and panel discussions at Jack Black’s Tap Room.
In Kalk Bay, a special collaboration with Traci Kwaai, founder of the Fischer Child Project, will highlight the Walk of Remembrance by showcasing poignant portraits of individuals from the area dating back to the 1800s and early 1900s, paying homage to their heritage.
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 people's 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 held workshops to develop a mural design as a way to actively participate in its creation.
Have a look at the Sea Walls: South Africa poster and previous murals from around the world:
