The South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) is proud to announce a striking new science–art installation on Cape Town’s iconic Sea Point Promenade: “Pole to Promenade”, a public photo exhibition, alongside “Drifters: The Invisible Forest”, a vibrant mural celebrating the unseen world of phytoplankton. Together, these installations transform one of South Africa’s most visited public spaces into an open-air gateway to the Southern Ocean and Antarctic region.
This Science–Art project was initiated by Dr Sandy Thomalla, Research Group Leader of the Southern Ocean Carbon–Climate Observatory (SOCCO) at the CSIR, and realised in collaboration with Ria Olivier of the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (Stellenbosch University). It reflects SANAP’s commitment not only to world-class polar research, but also to sharing that knowledge widely — beyond academic journals and into everyday life.
Art as a Bridge to Science: Art has a unique power: it invites people to pause, to look closely, and to feel curious. In that moment of engagement, complex scientific ideas can become accessible, memorable, and meaningful. Much of SANAP’s work takes place in remote, extreme environments that most people will never experience first-hand. Through creative expression, art becomes a bridge between science and society — translating data, models, and observations into stories that resonate emotionally. Globally, arts and culture are increasingly recognised as essential partners in science communication, particularly in areas such as climate change and ocean literacy. By combining visual art, imagery, and storytelling, Pole to Promenade aims to deepen public understanding of why polar research matters, why national investment in this work is vital, and how the Antarctic region and Southern Ocean are tightly connected to everyday life in South Africa.
Drifters: The Invisible Forest: At the heart of the installation is Drifters: The Invisible Forest, a large-scale mural painted by Cape Town artist Joh Del on one of the Sea Point promenade’s ablution blocks. The mural celebrates phytoplankton — microscopic, single-celled organisms that drift through the sunlit surface of the ocean. Though invisible to the naked eye, phytoplankton are foundational to life on Earth. Like plants on land, they photosynthesise, forming the base of marine food webs. They are responsible for producing roughly half of the oxygen we breathe and play a critical role in regulating Earth’s climate by absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide through the biological carbon pump. Their seasonal blooms drive ocean productivity, influence global carbon cycles, and ultimately support marine ecosystems and human food security. Structurally diverse and visually striking, phytoplankton are also unexpectedly beautiful. The mural brings this hidden world to life through flowing forms and vivid colour, inviting passers-by to appreciate both the aesthetic wonder and ecological importance of these tiny ocean drifters.
Pole to Promenade: An Outdoor Image Exhibition – Alongside the mural, the Pole to Promenade image exhibition features more than 20 powerful photographs and data visualisations captured by South African polar researchers. These images offer a rare glimpse into the remote and fragile environments of the Southern Ocean and Antarctic region — places central to global climate regulation, yet far removed from daily experience. The exhibition blends field photography, satellite imagery, microscopic views, and creative data visualisations to showcase the breadth of SANAP-supported research. Together, the images highlight South Africa’s long-standing leadership in polar science and underscore the importance of sustained research in understanding climate change, ocean processes, and Earth system dynamics. A huge thank you to all the contributors of these images
As Dr Sandy Thomalla writes: “The Sea Point Promenade in Cape Town has become a portal to the Southern Ocean, thanks to a new science–art installation celebrating South Africa’s leadership in polar research.”
A Living, Learning Space for All – Both installations will remain on the Sea Point Promenade for at least two years, creating a free, open-access encounter with polar science for locals and visitors alike. With more than a million people visiting the promenade each year, the site offers a rare opportunity to reach audiences from all walks of life — outside the walls of museums, galleries, or universities. An official launch is planned for early 2026, which will include a dedicated workshop with learners from schools across the Western Cape, reinforcing SANAP’s commitment to education, inspiration, and the next generation of scientists. In the meantime, SANAP warmly invites the public to explore the installations, engage with the stories they tell, and learn more about South Africa’s vital role in Antarctic and Southern Ocean research.
Why It Matters – The Southern Ocean absorbs around 50% of the ocean’s carbon dioxide uptake and 75% of the excess heat generated by human activities, acting as a crucial buffer against climate change. Understanding how this system works — and how it is changing — is central to SANAP’s mission. By bringing this science into public spaces through art, Pole to Promenade helps foster awareness, appreciation, and care for our shared environment.
CLICK HERE for more information on the project
We invite everyone walking the promenade to pause, look closer, and let this journey from the Pole to the Promenade spark curiosity about our planet — and South Africa’s role in protecting its future.
