Contours of the Cape
‘EIGHT LETTERS, EIGHT MOUNTAINS, ONE CITY’
The V&A Waterfront commissioned this iconic sign, each letter drawing inspiration from a different mountain within the Cape Peninsula region. The design seamlessly incorporates the topographical contours of these mountains, resulting in a distinctive fingerprint as unique as our own.
I was tasked with designing the back of two letters that form the name of our mother city, Cape Town. Each assigned letter was associated with a specific mountain, prompting me to draw inspiration from the fauna, flora, folk, and fables associated with that particular mountain.
LETTER A: HOTTENTOTS-HOLLAND RANGE
Hottentots Holland is an enormous and captivating area steeped in history both fascinating and tragic. It was originally inhabited by the Khoisan people, who used the region for hunting. The mountains initially traced a game trail known by the Khoikhoi as the "Gantouw," meaning 'Elands Path.' In tribute to this heritage, I've included an image of a pair of grazing Eland in the distance.
The terrain of this mountainous landscape is incredibly rugged, and some deep cuts left by the wagons of early Dutch settlers who traversed the land are still visible today. It was crucial for me to pay homage to the indigenous inhabitants of this mountain. Thus, I've created an illustration of two people dancing around a campfire, drawing inspiration from early cave paintings. While cave paintings may not have been found in this specific area, Khoisan people often engaged in cave art. These rock paintings were typically created by the Khoisan people - thought to have been in a trance-like state induced through drumming, dancing, and medicinal rituals.
To emphasise the grandeur of this mountain, I've ensured that this illustration captures its numerous slopes, dramatic inclines, and a vast mountain range in the background. This mountain range is so immense that the first Dutch colonists once dubbed it the 'Mountains of Africa,' believing that once conquered, it would lead to the rest of the African continent becoming theirs. Subsequently, the mountain's name was altered upon realizing it was home to the Khoisan people - then named, “Hottentots” - though the word is considered by many to be controversial today.
In addition to its intriguing history, the area is also abundant in diverse flora and fauna. It boasts a wide spectrum of species, ranging from endemics to natives, and even includes various introduced life forms, from tiny insects and reptiles to majestic creatures like the elusive Leopard, occasionally spotted roaming this land.
LETTER N: CAPE POINT FUNICULAR UPPER
The Cape Point landscape is expansive, teeming with a rich variety of flora and fauna, including the iconic Cape fynbos. In times gone by, Cape Point was known by its notorious alias as the 'Cape of Storms' due to treacherous waters and torrid storms that have led to a total of 26 shipwrecks in the area. Notably, Cape Point boasts several landmarks, like its historic lighthouse. This has become a popular tourist attraction, and so I felt it important to include this iconic structure in my illustration. I've also included hikers on a trail, reflecting the growing popularity of this activity among both tourists and locals who cherish this splendid locale. A vital touch to this illustration is the inclusion of some cheeky baboons, often seen on the area's pristine beaches. In homage to the diverse aquatic and bird life in the region, a majestic whale tail can be seen alongside a playful pod of dolphins, and a pair of oyster catchers on the beach. Raptors can also be spotted in the vicinity of Cape Point, scouting for dassies and other small animals.