To celebrate World Oceans Day last week, the inaugural Sea Walls: Artists for Oceans project was announced in Cape Town.
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 organization 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 CareCreative. 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 Tracii 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.
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 at +27 83 509 5105 or shani@shanijudes.co.za.
