Murals add colour to Durban North pool
This project came about as a way to breathe new life into municipal swimming pools.
IN 2019, the outer walls of the Durban North swimming pool were given an extreme makeover thanks to artist Giffy Duminy and Enviro-Fixers-Durban North.
Eight of the wall panels were transformed and featured krantz aloes, which are common to KZN, and a male and female Amethyst sunbird who share a symbiotic relationship with the aloes.
Now six years later the entrance to the Durban North Pool has been given new life with two stunning murals, one from Giffy and another from an artist, Groolz.
This project came about as a way to breathe new life into municipal swimming pools.
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This was the second project completed this year after Sutton Park Pool in Windermere was given a makeover, organised by Kyle Smith.
The City now plans to take the project south with uMlazi G Pool set for a splash of colour and it said there would be more.
Adding to the vibey colours, both artists themed their work to the environment, in their own unique styles.
“With my mural I painted a Rhinopias, which is also known as a Weedy Scorpion Fish. I photographed one of these spectacular fish while scuba diving, and I had been wanting to paint this fish since then. It is a very peculiar fish and this one was neon orange. Since I was painting at a pool, I thought it may be fitting to inspire some swimmers to start exploring our wonderful coastline,” explained Giffy.
“There has been a really positive response to murals in my experience. I think people are becoming aware of the positive impact of public art, and they like to see new pieces popping up in new places on their daily commuting. It turns the mundane drives into something interesting, like an outdoor art gallery. Murals really have an amazing and unique way of uplifting an area.”
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Fellow artist Groolz incorporated an Egyptian Goose in his artwork, and some animals that live in the water, including a crocodile, and a frog in a speedo and swimming cap.
“When we started the project we had no real brief as such but I went with a pool theme as I thought it appropriate for the space with some abstract pool shapes and fun characters. The people from the pool were so thankful and positive about our work, which really brought us a lot of joy. I hope the mural conveys a sense of fun and playfulness that is associated with a day at the pool,” he said.
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