Grim reaper boat artists unmasked

Cape Town - 130219 - Another figure has been added to the mysterious art work on the Black River which has had Cape Town motorists intrigued and stopping to look and take pictures. It is believed the art work depicts Charon. In Greek mythology, Charon or Kharon, is the ferryman of Hades who carries souls of the newly deceased across the rivers Styx and Acheron that divided the world of the living from the world of the dead. Reporter: Sisi Lwandle PICTURE: DAVID RITCHIE

Cape Town - 130219 - Another figure has been added to the mysterious art work on the Black River which has had Cape Town motorists intrigued and stopping to look and take pictures. It is believed the art work depicts Charon. In Greek mythology, Charon or Kharon, is the ferryman of Hades who carries souls of the newly deceased across the rivers Styx and Acheron that divided the world of the living from the world of the dead. Reporter: Sisi Lwandle PICTURE: DAVID RITCHIE

Published Feb 26, 2013

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Cape Town - An arts co-operative has stepped up to claim responsibility for the mysterious boat floating on the Black River which has captured the attention and imagination of Cape Town residents.

Fred du Preez, of the KOP arts co-operative, said the boat and the figures in it were not to make a radical statement. “But if we can put focus on the river, all the better.”

A hooded figure sits in the boat. Next to it is another hooded figure which appears to be climbing a ladder.

Addressing the rumour about evil spirits, Du Preez said “that story really came from the people living on the riverbanks, they remarked that they find the figures eerie and for )which we apologised”.

He said they chose the Black River because it is “a rubbish heap covered with water”.

“It’s sad that we enter Cape Town and then have such little respect for this potentially beautiful river. Can you imagine a tearoom, play parks, skate park, cycle roads all along the river?

“We like making something to look at. The only evil in this story is the ignorance of us polluting nature,” said Du Preez.

“This piece will evolve to more characters on the boat doing a whole range of things. Watch the river,” Du Preez added.

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