Mosaic magic transforms Imhoff bus stop

 A once-neglected bus stop in Imhoff has been given a colourful new life thanks to a community art project led by Ocean View artist Regan Rubain and the Open Studios Kommetjie.

As part of the Studio's annual Give Back initiative, Mr Rubain guided the transformation of the derelict shelter into a vibrant mosaic artwork celebrating indigenous flora such as aloes and proteas.

The design, built almost entirely from recycled tiles donated by a hotel, combines bold colour with abstract mapping and themes of renewal, sustainability, and community care.

“It was important for me to share skills, provide work opportunities, and create something lasting for the community,” said Mr Rubain, who worked with residents and apprentices to prepare panels over several weeks before completing the installation in just two days.

Volunteers also stepped in with transport and other assistance.

Mr Rubain, who grew up in Ocean View after his family was forcibly removed from Noordhoek under apartheid, described the project as deeply personal.

“Life was never easy, being raised by a single mother and growing up having nothing. Being an artist was very risky. The art industry is extremely tough, and making a career out of it is almost impossible,” he said.

“Ocean View is a neglected community, reeling from trauma and social ills. These issues inspired me to do something with my life.”

He said working on the bus stop allowed him to bring those experiences full circle.

“I definitely believe public art like this can make a huge difference. It can create employment, it makes people happy, and it has a powerful, positive impact on the human brain,” he said.

“My goal is to make art that speaks to people, that inspires and motivates, that educates and tackles important issues.”

For Gill Allderman of Open Studios Kommetjie, the project marks a milestone.

“This is the very first time the Give Back initiative has gone into a public space, and it feels incredibly meaningful,” she said.

“To have one of our own collective artists lead the project and mentor a team from within his community was powerful to witness. People walking by expressed excitement and gratitude, and even contributed refreshments,” Ms Allderman said.

“We hope the mosaic transforms the bus stop from a neglected site into a vibrant, welcoming space where children can wait safely, women can sit and chat, and the wider community can feel proud to claim it as their own.”

She explained that the Imhoff Bus Stop was chosen because it had fallen into disuse and become unsafe.

“By transforming it, we wanted to restore dignity to the space, making it functional, clean and inviting again. The mosaic is beautiful, durable, and symbolic of resilience,” Allderman said.

The Give Back project is usually centred on an annual raffle of donated artworks during the Open Studios Kommetjie weekend, with proceeds supporting community organisations such as HopeTown in Ocean View.

This year, Open Studios Kommetjie extended that vision into a public art project for the first time. “Our Give Back project reflects a simple belief: as artists, we are privileged to do the work we love, and it’s important to give back,” said Ms Allderman.

Open Studios Kommetjie will run from Friday, December 5 to Sunday December 7, when the public can visit around 30 artists’ studios free of charge, meet the creators, and purchase raffle tickets that fund initiatives like the bus stop mosaic.