Durban mural project gains momentum
The project was highlighted in Berea Mail in February, when Umcebo Design's Robin Opperman decided to brighten up the alley behind his home with a striking mural.
AN art project to create murals in back alleys which was initiated by a local design organisation in February, has sparked interest in the community.
The project was highlighted in Berea Mail in February, when Umcebo Design’s Robin Opperman decided to brighten up the alley behind his home with a striking mural.
Commenting on the project at the time, Robin said he and his colleague, Ujala Sewpersad came up with the project, which started off as them just having some fun and being creative.
He decided to paint the wall in the back alley behind his home, and the project grew out of this.
The project initially aimed at creating murals in back alleys in Glenwood, and to integrate this with learning for students.
The article on the project caught the eye of Vernon Stokes, precinct manager of the Glenwood Urban Improvement Precinct (UIP), who decided to partner in the project.
The UIP pitched in with paint.
ALSO READ: Glenwood’s back alleys provide creative canvas for art project
“This is about buying back not only these back alley spaces, which are hidden gems, but also to take back public spaces. We have contacted businesses and proposed murals on walls, and there is an approved plan in the pipeline to paint a mural on the wall of a business at the corner of Cleaver Road,” he said.
Not only has the UIP got on board, but Andrea Walters, Unisa’s undergraduate co-ordinator for art in KZN, has also jumped on the bandwagon.
“I met up with Robin earlier this year and he told me about the project. I was sure my students would love to get involved, and 10 showed interest. Unfortunately with lockdown this was put on hold, but we got started on a mural this month and after the first day in the sun, spending time doing what we love, it felt great,” she said.
Andrea and her multi media students Ronica Chigwaja and Chantal van Rensburg, worked on the mural at the end of Brents Avenue, completing the job on Friday, 24 July.
“It was so much fun getting to know Andrea and her students and seeing the amazing piece they have produced. I cannot thank them enough for helping us make this happen. I have a passion for beautifying these spaces and I want to send out the message that this project is for anyone who wants to come and get involved. It is about taking back spaces by painting them. There are many new walls waiting, and lots of exciting new work still to come,” said Robin.
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