01/05/2026
The Tarka Street Art Exhibition, held from April 24 to 27, 2026, in Mossel Bay, was a community-focused event that aimed to redefine the "Renaissance" through a local African lens.
Organized by Street Artist James Malgas, the exhibition turned Kanarie Street into an open-air gallery using large-scale chalk drawings to bridge the gap between classical European art and contemporary community life.
Artistic Vision:
Malgas drew inspiration from the 16th-century "Madonnari" tradition (Italian street painters) to bring "high art" techniques to public spaces, aiming to remove the intimidation often felt in traditional galleries.
The "Last Supper" Rendition:
One of the central pieces was a large chalk rendition of Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper. It was famously renamed "Jesus en Sy Tjommies" (Jesus and His Buddies) by a local Grade 5 student, reflecting the project's goal of making art relatable to the community.
Youth Involvement:
A major success of the event was the participation of local children, who helped fill in chalk layers and even acted as "traffic duty" to protect the artworks on the tarmac.
Challenges Faced:
The exhibition overcame significant hurdles, including initial disapproval from the local municipality and lack of newspaper coverage until the very last minute. Despite these issues and strong winds that blew away some chalk layers, Malgas described the event as a success for the children involved.
About the Artist
James Malgas is a well-known figure in the Garden Route art scene, recognized for his Street Art that depict community life. He is a regular participant in regional festivals like the KKNK in Oudtshoorn and has been instrumental in organizing the Tarka Street Festival for over a decade.
Video Filmed and edited by Jason Demetri Hartman ( . Beat produced by Frazer Barry for Houtema Studios
