HERMANUS – The Old Harbour is currently ablaze with vibrant colour with all the public art on display.
A group of artists in Hermanus gathered last weekend to each paint a bollard, according to their own unique flair and signature.
The project is named Artists for Hermanus, and falls under the ambit of Hermanus FynArts. The project is spearheaded by Jaco Sieberhagen, who came up with the idea that the town could do with a little colour and positivity during the difficult times the town is facing.
He said: “We have great artists in Hermanus and the painting of the bollards have lifted their spirits as well as others.” Sieberhagen says the reactions from people who have walked by and viewed the painted bollards have been great. According to FynArts Festival Director Mary Faure, this project is remarkable for showcasing, once again, the talent of Hermanus artists. Artist Terry Kobus explained that his bollard is entitled ‘Cape Floral Kingdom’, “as we are living in an area of extraordinarily high diversity of distinctive flora, the Cape Floral Kingdom, a ‘biodiversity hot spot’ and a unique natural haven where birds, insects and animals abound.” He drew on the fynbos and wild fires that produce new growth. Another artist, Mardee Cita, explained his piece reflects the beauty he sees in everything, and painted a flower growing through barbered wire.
Painting on the bollard also had its challenges, artist Obert Jongwe said. “Painting on the round shape is a challenge, and I had to learn the paint’s behaviour, for it’s not intended for art,” he said, describing the experience as “incredible”, something he’d do again.
Faure thanked the Overstrand Municipality for its cooperation with the project.
