Street art of cat silhouettes has been popping up around Kalk Bay, with residents wondering who the artist is. While most people regard it as a positive addition to bleak surfaces and enjoy it, some are wondering whether it is indeed vandalism.
Cats showing up across Kalk Bay
Kalk Bay, a popular little neighbourhood on the False Bay coastline, is known for its raw beauty, interesting shops, a vast selection of restaurants, stunning views, and unique character.
A member of the Kalk Bay community page on Facebook posted the following photos of the feline street art:
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15mow9fZAy/
Some people commented on the photos saying that there are similar murals at the Strand’s beachfront, in Kuils River, and in Cape Town’s central business district (CBD). It is not certain, however, if these are all by the same artist.
African street art
African street art is booming. Artists like Ghana’s Moh Awudu, South Africa’s Faith47, and Nigeria’s Osa Seven use murals to celebrate culture, nature, and unity.
These public artworks are often created through community collaborations and they transform urban spaces into vibrant open-air galleries.
Despite facing legal and cultural challenges, the movement continues to grow because of dialogue and support from art organisations, according to NewsBytes.
Is it legal in South Africa?
According to Mayoral Committee Member JP Smith, illegal graffiti ruins the look of a neighbourhood and the government regards it as vandalism. This refers especially to gang symbols or negative messages on walls. Vandalism not only affects your community by making it unattractive and unsafe, but it is also expensive to repair.
However, he emphasised that there is a space for this type of artistic expression, provided the artists or property owners go through the right channels. There is a formal application process that people need to follow that provincial government units oversee.
Upon receiving an application for mural art, the responsible unit will conduct a site inspection of the location(s) where the mural(s) will be. It will take into account who the affected parties and property owners will be. Thereafter, it will either grant or deny permission.
Do you think street art that is not offensive is okay in public areas?
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