Local architect and artist Nathan Sanaan has spent the year spraying the city in colour, with murals in Berea, Southernwood and Nahoon that celebrate our local history and invigorate public spaces.
Last week Sanaan put the finishing touches on a 120m² mural of four Eastern Cape Springboks on the corner of Devereux Avenue and Surrey.
The mural, resplendent in deep purples and blues, captures the smiling likenesses of Makazole Mapimpi, Lukhanyo Am, Jayden Hendrickse and captain Siya Kolisi.
Given the mural’s position and scale, Sanaan used primary colours with monochromatic figures and supplementary colour pops to create focal points.
Sanaan had three days to complete the mural ahead of the Springboks’ trophy tour.
Sanaan was commissioned by Vincent Park Shopping Centre earlier this year to create an artwork that celebrates East London.
The public’s reaction has been overwhelmingly supportive with residents on Facebook heralding the mural as symbolic of the city’s contribution towards national excellence in the sporting arena.
One resident, Lisa Hardwell said: “That looks amazing, extremely talented artist for sure.”
Another, Elise Jones said: “I’m not a Bok supporter but this is smart.”
Sanaan said: “I was humbled by the gratitude I received and also the joy of the people who interacted with it. The entire Springbok squad and staff know how proud the nation is of them, my gesture to them will be a drop in the ocean of national pride.”
Vincent Park portfolio manager, John Parsley said the mural and those planned in future are intended to celebrate East London’s people, culture and sporting heroes. Parsley said the symbolism that infuses Sanaan’s mural adds a layer of depth and meaning to public art that is difficult to achieve.
Vincent Park marketing manager, Mariaan Hartwig said: “The theme is not directly related to the Rugby World Cup, however, the opportunity to incorporate the local players specifically the three players hailing from BCMM, was a golden opportunity.”
