Whale mural brings new life to Echo Road

A new mural on Echo Road has caught the attention of passersby — a striking, large-scale artwork of whales gliding across the wall, symbolising harmony, strength, and our connection to nature.

The mural was created by local artist Ras Motse, who is known for blending cosmology, spirituality, and cultural identity in his work.

Originally from Thaba Nchu in the Free State, Motse now lives in the far south, not far from Fish Hoek.

Mr Motse has been creating murals and practising art professionally for the past eight years.

“It’s been a continuous journey of exploration and growth,” he said.

He explained that mural art first drew him in because of its accessibility and its ability to speak directly to people.

“It’s open to the world - uncovered, alive, and always within reach,” he said.

“For me, a mural is like a timeless healer, a doctor of the soul that never clocks out.”

The idea for the Echo Road mural came from resident John Crawford, who often watches whales from his balcony. He had seen Mr Motse’s work online and reached out to him to bring his vision to life.

“What began as a simple commission turned into a dream realised,” he said.

Mr Motse explained that he visited the beach to connect with its energy before painting, allowing the natural surroundings to guide his creative process.

The whale design, he said, was inspired by the Crawfords’ love for the sea and its creatures.

“I wanted the mural to speak of unity between the seen and unseen, the human and the natural,” Mr Motse said.

“Whales carry wisdom and calm; their presence on that wall is a call for the community to breathe, connect, and remember that we are all part of one vast ocean of life.”

The mural took about a week to complete. He used spray cans and a realism technique to create depth, movement, and emotion in the artwork.

Although he didn’t choose the location himself, Mr Motse believes Echo Road was meant to host the piece.

“There was an energy in the location that naturally channelled through the Crawfords,” he said. “It felt like the perfect space to bring the whale’s story to life.”

The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Mr Motse said his phone hasn’t stopped buzzing with messages of gratitude and encouragement.

“It’s been incredible,” he said. “People have shared the mural online and spoken about how it brings them peace. It’s amazing to see how the energy of these whales resonates with so many.”

The mural now stands as both a piece of public art and a gentle reminder of the deep connection between people and the natural world - a reminder, as Mr Motse puts it, “to slow down, breathe, and remember where we belong.”