Page 12 - Designing Ways 283

TRADE WINDS

Canal Walk Shopping Centre unveils

stunning new art installation

for Spring & Summer 2024.

anal Walk Shopping Centre are also symbols of the human soul and joy.
has unveiled a vibrant and The enchanting Spring Butterflies in Flight,
Cimmersive new art installation crafted by Louis Chanu and his team,
for Spring and Summer 2024. This alongside the “Spring Clouds” wallpaper
transformation of the shopping space by Kelly O'Brien and the Lightfarm team,
celebrates both nature’s beauty and the immerse visitors in a vibrant celebration of
power of community, with over 28 local renewal and transformation.
artists, designers, and 200 young learners
contributing to the creation of these awe- Summer Installation: Honouring the Canal Walk, Flower boxes & bee Summer
inspiring pieces. This installation, rich Cape’s Natural Beauty
in symbolism and joy, draws inspiration As the seasons change, the Summer
from the metamorphosis of the butterfly, Fynbos and Bee installation takes A Collaboration with Heart and Purpose
and transforms Canal Walk into a place of centre stage. Featuring a spectacular bee This installation reflects Canal Walk’s
wonder and magic. sculpture designed by Philip Coote and commitment to inspiring a sense
his artisans in collaboration with Art of community and environmental
Spring Installation: A Celebration of Afrique, this installation pays homage to stewardship. The workshops, led by Carol
Transformation and Magic the essential role bees play in maintaining Hogarth of Art Afrique and supported by
Visitors to Canal Walk will be captivated our ecosystem. The vibrant floral displays, Grammy-winning artist Robin Hogarth,
by the intricate beauty of the Blue Butterfly, handcrafted from paper by Claire Fluhr gave students hands-on experience in
an iconic symbol of transformation and and her team at Cuttin Paper, showcase the artmaking while teaching them valuable
hope. This striking artwork, adorned stunning diversity of fynbos, proteas, and lessons about protecting the environment.
with over 200,000 beads, was a labour succulents that define the Cape landscape. As a token of appreciation, each child took
of love, created in collaboration with Over 200 learners from Marconi Bean home a personal beaded butterfly or flower
learners from Marconi Bean Primary Primary and Sinenjongo High School kit, generously sponsored by Canal Walk.
School, under the guidance of Art participated in creating the leaves for “Projects like these create a lasting
Afrique master beading artist Thokozani these floral masterpieces. Their creativity cultural impact, inspiring the next
Twala. The metal armature that encases and enthusiasm brought this installation generation to embrace creativity and
the beadwork was manufactured by Philip to life, infusing it with a sense of pride and sustainability. These are values Canal Walk
Coote and the design was created as a connection to nature. One student shared: wholeheartedly supports,” commented
collaboration between Coote and Wench “I had an amazing time….one day I will Gavin Wood, General Manager of Canal
and Art Afrique. The butterfly came to be known as an artist.” Walk Shopping Centre.
life over four months of meticulous work The floral boxes surrounding the bee
in an extraordinary collaboration that are not just visually striking — they Capture the Magic at Canal Walk
combines creativity, craftsmanship, and represent the pollen that bees gather and Both the Spring and Summer
environmental consciousness. distribute across the region, making this installations offer the perfect photo
These young artists poured their installation a vibrant celebration of life opportunities for visitors. Don’t miss the
creativity into this masterpiece, and their and biodiversity. Visitors can relax on chance to capture a selfie with the Blue
joy is palpable. As one child shared: “Today the Fynbos Apple Seat, a colourful and Butterfly or relax at the Fynbos Apple
I have learnt that you can be anything you inviting piece of functional art, created Seat. Share your memories with friends
want to be in life. I also learnt that keeping and painted by Nathan Sanan while and family on social media and make
the environment safe and clean for the soaking in the beauty of the entire display. these moments last a lifetime! dw
animals and humans is a good thing.”
The butterfly installation has become the
perfect selfie spot, encouraging visitors to
capture their own magical moments with Canal Walk, Butterflies Spring theme
friends and family.
Designed with inspiration from nature,
this flying butterfly installation is much
more than decoration. Butterflies, known
for their ability to see more colours than
humans and sense the earth’s magnetism,

12 Issue 283 • dw