- A quote by Edgar Degas reads “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see”. And that is exactly what Shani Judes, SJ Artists Founder and Wavescape Festival Director, has been trying to achieve for the past few years.
- Judes has been the driving force, an inspiration behind, and the implementer of at least 24 of the hundreds of beautiful public murals around the city.
- She has also been involved with three current photographic exhibitions on the Sea Point Promenade and some sculpture works there.
A quote by Edgar Degas reads “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see”. And that is exactly what Shani Judes, SJ Artists Founder and Wavescape Festival Director, has been trying to achieve for the past few years.
Judes has been the driving force, an inspiration behind, and the implementer of at least 24 of the hundreds of beautiful public murals around the city.
She has also been involved with three current photographic exhibitions on the Sea Point Promenade and some sculpture works there.
Judes, who is also the director for Sea Walls South Africa, explains that her passion for the art was sparked at a young age.
READ | Sea Wall murals raise awareness about ocean conservation
“My love for the art started properly when I was in primary school, and we were privileged enough to have a Michaelis (a school of fine art based in Gardens) student set up a dark room and teach photography as an extramural.
“Public art holds immense importance as it transforms spaces, fosters community engagement, and serves as a universal language, conveying diverse perspectives and narratives for everyone to experience,” she explains.
In December last year, Judes was honoured at the City of Cape Town’s Civic Awards with a certificate of recognition for her contributions to the art.
Nicola Jowell, Ward 54 councillor who represented the award to Judes, said in a Facebook post she was “delighted” to have presented a subcouncil civic award.
“Shani really does leave a legacy with this public art. Not only creating a special place for people and enhancing their experience of public spaces but also a legacy in public art that is being photographed and shared around the world. And no doubt one of the many reasons that Sea Point is in the Time Out Top 51 Coolest Neighbourhoods in the world,” explained Jowell.
Judes says she feels honoured that her hard work is being acknowledged.
“Receiving the civic award felt very reassuring that the work in this space is meaningful and it’s great to be recognised in my hometown of Cape Town, which I love.”
She explains that public art can be used as a tool to bring awareness to important matters. “Public Art can be used as a tool to share issues we are facing with regard to conservation and education. The public is encouraged to form their own meaning from the works. Public art is a difficult realm to work in and we can’t love it all. Show support where best possible.”
Judes explains that, like with all professions, the job does not come without challenges.
“Artists and project managers like myself face many challenges in Cape Town with regard to public art. Lack of financial support, people taking on the role to fundraise for projects, etc. Addressing this involves creating more support systems, such as grants and both public and private initiatives.”
She believes public art and the graffiti bylaw are two different approaches and “should not be treated the same”.
READ | Sea Walls murals celebrate the beauty of the ocean, brighten up Cape Town
“It is very challenging to find permission for walls and the CBOs (community-based organisations) don’t have the correct training on how to deal with requests from artists and this can be changed with some training from the arts and culture department. Working in public spaces is always going to have its challenges.”
The art enthusiast thanked those who always supported the art. “Thank you goes out to the city [that] is trying to improve on the current systems, ward councillors, the arts and culture department, organisations and businesses [that] support the artists and especially the artists for the beautiful work out there in our city.”
Judes explains that despite the challenges, she will continue her conservation awareness efforts.
“Projects I’m looking into next, I’m going to be fundraising to do ocean conservation and water safety education along with murals in schools. Please get in touch if you are interested in supporting this next project.”
