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Cape Town, July 2024 | Blok, the property developer in Cape Town, has always believed that true urban living goes beyond your front door; it’s about creating spaces that inspire, connect, and uplift. Their latest urban intervention, in partnership with SJ Artists, brings this vision to life with colourful, expressive murals on the Sea Point promenade’s ablution blocks – turning functional structures into canvases for creativity.
Blok’s collaboration with the SJ Artists to paint murals on the ablution blocks along Sea Point promenade is part of a broader vision to transform and elevate public spaces. The transformation of one of Cape Town’s most loved landmarks is a prime example of Blok’s urban interventions, which are designed to enrich community life and foster a sense of pride and ownership in shared spaces. By integrating art into these everyday structures, Blok aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the promenade, creating a vibrant and engaging environment for both residents and visitors.
This initiative not only supports local artists by providing them with a prominent platform to showcase their work but also encourages public interaction with art, making it an integral part of daily life. Through these efforts, Blok is committed to creating a more connected, inspired, and culturally rich community – something the brand does so well with its contemporary Atlantic Seaboard developments.
Following the fun Art on the Blok pop-up gallery, this project perfectly embodies Blok’s commitment to investing in local art and culture and providing a platform for Cape Town’s creative souls.
A Collaborative Vision
SJ Artists is an agency dedicated to supporting and managing mural artists and large-scale art projects. This collaboration is led by Shani Judes, a recognised contributor to Cape Town’s public art scene.
Shani brings invaluable expertise and passion for ocean conservation-themed public art which aligns perfectly with the coastal setting of Sea Point. Her track record includes notable projects like the Wavescape Surf & Ocean Festival and Sea Walls South Africa.
Art at the Heart of City Living
Blok believes 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. SJ Artists have brought together three exceptional artists, each contributing their unique style, creating a diverse visual experience that captures the essence of the city’s artistic spirit. The installation features murals from the below artists:
Russell Abrahams, known as Yay Abe, is a Cape Town-based illustrator celebrated for his colourful, playful, and transformative designs. His mural Ocean Daze is a vibrant depiction of a day at the beach, complete with hidden faces for passersby to discover.
Amy-Leigh Braaf, known as Hakopike, is a South African artist exploring themes of self-discovery and cultural heritage. Drawing from her mixed Cape Malay and Indonesian heritage, her mural Coastal Lullabies is a visual poem celebrating Cape Town’s marine life and natural beauty.
Mika Revell, known as Little Pink Pills, is an Asian-American artist known for her political satire, feminism, and historical art references. Her mural Impossible City, inspired by M.C. Escher, challenges perceptions of urban spaces and prompts viewers to reconsider conventional notions of home and community.
Seeing is Believing
Blok invites the public to experience firsthand how they are reimagining urban spaces, one brushstroke at a time. A stroll along the promenade offers an immersive experience in this open-air gallery where each piece is accompanied by an informative plaque, providing further insights into the artist and their work. Additionally, many other works of art along the promenade are available for enjoyment.
If you can’t get down to the promenade, watch the video of the murals coming to life here: https://www.instagram.com/p/C87Lh8uqH8N/?hl=en&img_index=2.
