Schoolgirl’s green message writ large
A 17-year-old artist has attempted to save the planet with colour and paint — and the community of KwaDukuza has commended her for it.
With her colourful interpretation of the topic “Our forest, our future”, Kerushnee Naicker beat pupils from three schools in the area to win R5 000 for herself and R5 000 for Darnall Secondary School.
The competition, run by Dolphin Coast Landfill Management, was started last year as part of the company’s social responsibility programme.
Naicker’s winning piece was chosen for its vivid colour and powerful imagery as well as its story line emphasising why it is important to take care of the environment.
The judges said this demonstrated a real concern for the planet.
The painting touched on the subjects of an ailing earth, industrial pollution and tree-felling.
“The main idea with the colour was to attract teenagers,” said Naicker .
She said the images worked together to create a message of environmental responsibility.
Local tattoo artist Brendon Beaumont was commissioned by Dolphin Coast Landfill Management to paint an enlargement of the piece near the company’s reception area.
We all need to learn to care for the environment. If we don’t, no one else will
The public unveiling of this piece was held last month and attended by KwaDukuza mayor Ricardo Mthembu as well as the company’s board members.
Gcobisa Feke, the company’s environmental and PR manager, said it was dedicated to uplifting the community. Most of its employees come from the surrounding area, but people from elsewhere are brought in as specialists according to need.
“I was literally shivering,” said Naicker about hearing of her victory in October last year.
She has been drawing since the age of eight and said she now wanted to turn her attention to portraiture — although her work on behalf of the planet is not over.
“We all need to learn to care for the environment.
“If we don’t, no one else will,” she said.