22m mural depicting KZN lifestyle at Indaba

FROM the hieroglyphics in Egypt to the cave paintings in Maropeng, art has always been a vehicle for documenting history and telling our stories. Art is also an interpretation of life and takes many different forms including music, paintings, graffiti and dance.

SA Tourism has partnered with three acclaimed Durban artists to paint a 22m mural inside the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) that will be unveiled at Africa’s Travel Indaba on May 2 to 4.

“We know that travellers from all over the world are keen to learn about the history and culture of any destination they visit. This wall mural is the creative expression of our culture and beautiful landscapes. It is also a celebration of South Africa’s talent”, said acting chief executive of SA Tourism Sthembiso Dlamini.

The mural is a representation of kwazulu-natal’s lifestyle, showcasing the culture in the region, from the world-famous beaches to landmarks that have played a part in promoting the region, such as the Moses Mabhida Stadium which had a major role in the 2010 Fifa World Cup and continues to be a venue where a lot of cultural and significant events are hosted.

Samora Chapman, one of the artists, said: “The art piece will have a street art aesthetic that is very engaging and exciting for people to look at.

“We want to tell this story through the mural and giving life to a place that we love by showcasing the Durban beachfront where a lot of different people co-exist and share that space.”

The travel Indaba presents an opportunity for us to tell the world of Africa’s successes, to change the narrative and stereotype of the continent into a positive one.

Art in Africa has always been strongly represented on international stages, with artists such as Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Fela Kuti, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and painter Cheri Samba, who paved the way for African storytelling through the arts.

Over the last four years there’s been a resurgence of Africanism through the arts across the world. The music world has flown the flag for Africa with genres such as Afrobeat and Qgom, which have taken the world by storm over the last two years.

Another artist is Mook Lion, who is a Durban street art pioneer.

He recently completed his Master’s in fine art at the Durban University of Technology, investigating street art and mural art as examples of social activism, with the use of Durban as a case study.

His study was practice-led with the aim of producing site specific and socially conscious art in the public domain. “I’m looking forward to the

We Do Tourism mural,” he said. “It’s very playful and youthful – clearly referencing the digital age that we live in.”

Sphephelo, one of Durban’s most talented young painters and multimedia artists, is also involved with the mural. He has been doing art since he was a child and continued to grow as an artist throughout his schooling.

He has exhibited at the KZNSA and the Other Room Gallery and worked on major murals across the city, particularly in collaboration with Mook Lion.

“I think this mural conveys strength, unity and love. It’s a mural that says, ‘I’m Durban.’ It’s a mural that opens its arms to the rest of the world,” Sphephelo said. | Staff reporter

This mural conveys strength, unity and love. It’s a mural that says, ‘I’m Durban.’ It… opens its arms to the world Sphephelo DURBAN ARTIST