Title: Castles Made of Sand
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Artist: Marti Macfly
For: PangeaSeed Foundation, Sea Walls
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: Marti Macfly
“The title and subject of the artwork speak of the fragility of the areas of coastline currently being mined up the West Coast of South Africa. The work acts to raise conversation and awareness about the way the mining is being carried out; a practice with little to no regard for the existing natural harmony and community/ historical complexity of the areas that are being affected.
The main subject of the boy figure represents the mining powers in question: performing childish acts and acting as a metaphoric puppeteer with a naive ignorance of the damage being caused. It speaks of foreign mining companies armed with dangerous toys that are, at this very moment, causing large-scale destruction. This is all in the name of profit at the cost of an Eco-system and broader cultural cost for which they will take little responsibility.
The significant ‘Mining Area, No Entry’ sign is used on the mining sites but has also become an informal ‘banner for change’ in activation led by Protect the West Coast, a local initiative fighting the mining on the ground and in the courtroom.”
Marti Macfly
USEFUL LINKS:
Marti Macfly in this blog | Instagram
Categories: OperArt, Street art
Barbara Picci 