The top six short stories chosen for the Project Yeyethu mural were announced last Friday, with each set to inspire Nathan Sanan’s final design on the Gonubie reservoir.
Following a public call in March and April for Gonubie-inspired stories and memories to create a mural to beautify the area, the judges have selected the following entrants:
Marietjie Vosloo;
Terry Brammage;
Luke Wiseman;
Lorraine van Vuuren;
Wayne Gallow;
Hands-On Ladies Writing Club.
Sanan, whose artwork celebrating the crowned crane adorns one side of the Gonubie reservoir, will be painting the final mural on the reservoir along Gonubie Main Road. He will also create an illustration based on each story by the entrants to feature in a colouring competition launching in June, encouraging wider Gonubie community involvement.
In April, Project Yeyethu co-organiser, Sune Moolman, said that this initiative was inspired by the mutual love for visual art between herself and colleague at Pam Golding Properties, Debbie Theron.
“We both have an art background, and want to share the joy that we find in visual art with all the residents and visitors in Gonubie,” she said.
The project’s objective is to celebrate Gonubie’s heritage and foster community pride.
“We have a close-knit community with a deep connection to the local environment and a vibrant history. What better way to showcase our local heritage than through visual art for all to treasure and enjoy?”
By sharing local stories and memories through visual art, the mural will become a treasured icon and a reflection of the area’s character.
The organisers view Gonubie Main Road as not just a route, but a scenic journey through the heart of the town.
“We want residents to be proud every time they drive past the site, and for visitors to be in awe of our community spirit — something we, as residents, experience daily,” Moolman said.
Sanan, who will be responsible for the mural’s design, hopes that it will revitalise and uplift the community. “Through art, we can celebrate the unique characteristics of our community, reminding ourselves and others of its beauty, resilience, and individuality,” he said.
Given the unique shape and viewing angles of the reservoir, Sanan plans to create a design that complements the existing crowned crane mural.
“The chosen stories will serve as inspiration for the artwork and will be created in a similar style to the existing mural.”
Drawing from research and conversations with the locals, this work of art will be a celebration of the story chosen and Gonubie in its entirety.
“I am aware of my ignorance so, in all my work, I am diligent in doing my own research and also rely heavily on open conversations with people that are far more in the know than I am.
“I am thrilled to receive submissions from the community and develop a mural that serves as a visual and emotional expression of shared stories, heritage and values,” Sanan said.
