Poles to the Promenade
Science Meets Art on the Sea Point Promenade
The Sea Point Promenade has become a window into the Southern Ocean through a science-art installation celebrating South Africa's leadership in polar research. The project combines two complementary exhibits: Drifters: The Invisible Forest, a public art mural honouring the beauty and importance of phytoplankton and an outdoor exhibition featuring more than 20 images and data visualisations created by South African polar researchers. Painted by Cape Town artist Joh Del, the mural brings to life the hidden world of phytoplankton, microscopic organisms that form the foundation of marine food webs and play a critical role in regulating Earth's climate. Although invisible to the naked eye, these tiny drifting plants produce around half of the world's oxygen and absorb vast amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Through vibrant colours and flowing forms, the artwork reveals the beauty and significance of these often-overlooked organisms.
Alongside the mural, visitors can explore a collection of photographs, satellite imagery, microscopic views and creative data visualisations that offer a glimpse into the remote Southern Ocean and Antarctic regions. These environments are vital to global climate systems yet remain largely inaccessible to most people. The exhibition connects cutting-edge scientific research with public understanding, highlighting South Africa's long-standing contribution to polar science. The project was conceived by Dr Sandy Thomalla, Research Group Leader of the Southern Ocean Carbon–Climate Observatory (SOCCO) at the CSIR, and realised in partnership with Ria Olivier of Antarctic Legacy of South Africa at Stellenbosch University and Shani Judes of SJ Artists. Funding was provided by the National Research Foundation. Both installations will remain on the Sea Point Promenade for at least two years, offering an open-air encounter with the Southern Ocean in one of Cape Town's most visited public spaces.
With free access year-round, the project invites residents and visitors alike to engage with the science, beauty, and importance of our oceans.
For more information, visit: https://www.sanap.ac.za/sanap-science-art
