In 2016 we launched ‘PaintUp with Kamamma’™ in Melkhoutfontein in the Garden Route of South Africa. The project celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the local area and tells stories of the community through stunning murals adorning houses. Our aim was to create -and transition Melkhoutfontein as a unique destination. The project was launched by then Dutch Ambassador to South Africa, Marisa Gerards who joined the community and local dignitaries to paint the first houses.
Subsequently multiple houses have been painted with unique murals by the community alongside local, international artists and volunteers. Many tourists have visited the community to enjoy the murals and hear their stories from registered Dreamcatcher tour guides living in Melkhoutfontein. Many other houses have also been painted with paint donated through the project.
Due to Covid the project was suspended as we focused on reallocating resources to support communities where we work.
We are elated to announce that this September being ‘National Heritage’ – and ‘World Tourism Month’, we picked up our paint brushes once again to create new murals – including the first in the new housing development in Melkhoutfontein. We are also carrying out maintenance to existing murals.
We are excited to welcome back mega talented ethno-graphic -and cultural mural artist Bruce Rimell and his partner Chris, both passionate about Melkhoutfontein, who will be collaborating with the community to paint the murals.
A week in, despite inclement weather, community members with volunteers from the UK and Netherlands, collaborated to complete two new murals.
Marie and Leonard’s ‘Homestay with Kamamma’ now adorns the stunning design – ‘The Swift People Remember’. As with several other murals this pays homage to community ancestry, and links to ancient rock art images depicting people turning into swifts (swaweltjie). People would dance, and imagine transforming into swifts – this was part of their spirituality and healing. Ancestors chose swifts as they were skillful flyers. At the changing of the seasons the ancestors would migrate from the Klein Karoo, to coastal areas including the Blombos Cave near Melkhoutfontein.
The mural depicts ancestors turning into swifts and flying up into the stars. The mural also reflects the hope for transformation in the community.
The team have also now excitingly completed the first stunning mural in the new housing development. ‘Dearly Departed Dreamcatchers’ covers Jaco and Elmordine’s new home (see above). It recalls community members who we have now passed including those who made significant contributions to work alongside Dreamcatcher for the greater benefit of Melkhoutfontein. The mural depicts the community dancing, with the souls of the departed rising up and becoming stars.
Keep upto date on all the murals on our ‘PaintUp with Kamamma’™ page.
