By SHANI JUDES of SJ Artists
The Sea Point Promenade has been transformed with the addition of three stunning new murals, curated by South African public art director Shani Judes. These murals, located on the Milton Road ablution blocks, showcase the talents of artists Yay Abe, Hakopike, and Mika Revell, each bringing a unique and thought-provoking vision to this well-known community space.
Shani, founder of SJ Artists, an agency dedicated to supporting and managing mural artists and large-scale art projects, earned a certificate of recognition from the City of Cape Town for her contributions to public art over the past decade. (Click here to see our article about this in the February edition of the Chronicle.) “I’m passionate about bringing ocean conservation-themed public art to Cape Town,” she explains, highlighting the fact that two of the three murals are themed around the ocean and sea creatures.
“Illustrator Russell Abrahams of Yay Abe has created Ocean Daze, which captures a vibrant day at the beach,” Shani says. “The illustrative composition of the peeking sun, Table Mountain, ocean waves, raindrops and cute plants is interspersed with hidden faces, inviting viewers to discover and connect with the details. The mural is a delightful exploration of nature and human presence.” He challenges us to view the mural and see whether we can identify all seven faces in it.
Coastal Lullabies by Hakopike, crafted by local artist Amy-Leigh Braaf, illuminates the beauty found in the realms of nature, dreams, and the captivating ocean life of South Africa. A majestic whale is centred on the canvas, surrounded by a tapestry of seals, jellyfish, octopus, coral, and seaweed. As the animals gaze towards the horizon, they are captured in a world of vast beauty, bearing witness to the mystery of the ocean. We see the connection between humanity and the ocean, inviting introspection on shared experiences, preservation and the enchanting harmony between humans and the natural world.
With a focus on the architecture of traditional Bo-Kaap houses and Cape Dutch thatch roofs, American artist Mike Revell’s Impossible City, the third mural, prompts viewers to question the future of their city, challenging conventional notions of home and community.
“These murals serve not only to provide beauty to a prominent public space, but are also geared to prompt the viewer to give some thought to the world around us,” Shani says.
Shani acknowledges the important contribution of property developer Blok, whose financial contribution has been crucial for the development of this public art. So, too, the trust in her initiatives shown by the City of Cape Town.
According to Blok CEO, Jacques van Emden, “We believe in creating homes that connect residents not just to their living spaces but to their broader neighbourhood and community. These murals create new points of interest along the Promenade, highlighting themes of ocean conservation and natural beauty – cultivating environmental awareness.”
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