STREET artist Giffy Duminy shared insights about his work and how he is inspired by nature and its diversity at the Botanical Society of South Africa KZN Coastal Branch lunch-time talk on Monday, 8 October at Durban Botanic Gardens Visitors Centre.
Giffy, who has been painting since the age of 14, transforms gloomy, harsh places by painting beautiful murals inspired by nature. He has, on a voluntary basis, painted colourful pictures on several buildings belonging to non-profit organisations.
“I have a fascination and obsession for plants and nature and although I haven’t studied them, I love plants, the way they look and paint them on walls, especially large surfaces. My work is not 100 per cent anatomically correct, but it shows the beauty of plants and creatures. There are endless possibilities in art to create something beautiful,” he said.
ALSO READ: Durban artist creates mural in US town
For the artist, his craft has become an escape and helps him create a sense of hope and wonder for all those who view his murals in public spaces.
“I studied a BSc and got a marketing degree which is very broad and boring. All it taught me was that this was a field I couldn’t work in. Most of my energy while in my final year of studies went into art and that is what I ended up doing! I use my ability to paint to show the beauty of the indigenous environment and natural habitats. The street becomes my canvas. I work for others to touch hearts and unify. People need to appreciate others and the spaces they live in, as with appreciation comes pride in the communities people live in,” he said.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
