Murals bring new life to Sea Point Promenade

When artist Shani Judes saw the empty spaces on the Milton Road ablution blocks on the Sea Point promenade, she knew she had to fill them with some beautiful works of art showing the importance of ocean conservation.

Judes started the organisation behind these murals, SJ Artists, in 2012 to meet the need for support for mural artists and large-scale public artists. “I founded SJ Artists to provide management, logistics, and opportunities that align with artistic vision. The mission is to bring impactful art to public spaces, enriching communities and inspiring conversations.”

Judes has been creating public art on the Sea Point Promenade for more than a decade. “I have a passion for the ocean, and spreading the message of conservation through public art,” she said. So, when she saw the empty or old spaces on the Milton Road ablution blocks, she knew she had to find artists who could bring the vision of conservation and blocks of cement to life.

Judes recruited Russell Abrahams, a Cape Town-based illustrator and the founder of illustration studio Yay Abe; Asian-American artist and muralist from Los Angeles Mika Revell; and South African artist Amy-Leigh Braaf otherwise known as Hakopike, to create three unique murals that shine on the promenade, bringing colour to passersby.

Before the murals were painted, “We selected the artists and finalised the designs. Then, we secured permits from the city. I also partnered with Blok, a company that has created industry-leading, intuitively designed urban apartments within buildings inspired by art, nature, and fashion, to provide financial support for the project,” said Judes.

Judes had worked with each of the artists before, so she knew that they were the right people to bring these beautiful pieces of work to life.

“I prefer working with those whose styles complement the promenade and who I know will execute the work to a high standard,” she said,” So I knew that these artists would be perfect.”

Abrahams’ mural, titled Ocean Daze, is a bold and stylised take on a day at the beach. It features a peeking sun, Table Mountain, ocean waves, raindrops, and cute plants interspersed with hidden faces, inviting viewers to discover and connect with the details.

Revell’s mural, Impossible City, blends traditional architectural elements with Bo-Kaap houses and Cape Dutch thatch roofs into an impossible architectural space. It prompts viewers to question the future of their city, challenging conventional notions of home and community and asking who the individuals are that shape and inhabit the vibrant neighbourhood. It uses trompe l’oeil, a technique for tricking the viewer into perceiving painted objects or spaces as real.

Finally, Braaf’s mural, Coastal Lullabies, is a visual poem, illuminating the beauty in 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. A crimson sun, a beacon of hope, guides their journey through life. The diverse marine life enveloping them signifies the connection between humanity and the ocean, inviting introspection on shared experiences, preservation, and the harmony between humans and the natural world.

“Collaboration was essential,” Judes said. “I worked closely with each artist to align their vision with the theme of ocean conservation while giving them creative freedom. We discussed the message of each mural, and I supported them with materials, logistics, and co-ordination. It was a collaborative effort from start to finish.”

“For the artists, these murals represent an opportunity to showcase their work in a high-profile, public space and to contribute to a cause they care about,” said Judes, “it’s incredibly rewarding to see how the project has brought people together and sparked important conversations about public art. It’s a reminder of the power of art to inspire change and connect people with the natural world in meaningful ways.”

Judes said the reaction to the murals had been overwhelming. “The community has embraced the murals, and many have shared how much they appreciate the beauty and message behind the artwork. It’s been wonderful to see people engaging with the murals and taking photos.”

The murals are going to be a feature of the Sea Point Promenade for years to come. Though they won’t last forever, Judes hopes that the message of the murals reaches every person who walks by.

“Murals are temporary pieces of public art, they can last a few years depending on weather and durability,” she said. “Their impermanence adds to their charm, capturing a moment in time and encouraging viewers to appreciate them while they last.”