FLYSAFAIR’S ARTISTIC JOURNEY.CELEBRATING SOUTH AFRICAN TALENT IN THE SKIES. – Fashion Force Africa Magazine

FlySafair has unveiled new interior designs aimed at infusing their cabins with the vibrant colors of South Africa, inviting media to witness the installation of their latest round of cabin artwork.These unique designs, created by six South African artists, celebrate various aspects of the country.

Each artist unveiled their artwork professionally, taking the time to explain their collaboration with FlySafair. Notably, the airline intentionally selected lesser-known artists, prioritizing their talent and unique perspectives.

In addition to the six artists’ contributions, a seventh special edition was created by children supported by FlySafair’s charity partner, Wings and Wishes. This organization facilitates transportation for financially disadvantaged, chronically ill children to receive life-saving medical attention. The children were personally involved in coloring the artwork, adding an extra layer of meaning and participation to the project.

Wesley Van Eeden, an artist and muralist, expressed his excitement at being chosen as one of the artists for the FlySafair project. “It’s truly great to be recognized as a South African and have my work featured on the plane,” he remarked, clearly elated by the opportunity.

This initiative marks the airline’s second campaign, initially launched in 2022 to support local artists and uplift passengers’ flying experiences following the pandemic-induced stress. Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair, expressed enthusiasm for reinstating the campaign, emphasizing the power of art to transcend language and cultural barriers while fostering a renewed love for flying and South Africa.

According to Gordon, these designs serve as a testament to the country’s diversity and uniqueness, enhancing the FlySafair flying experience by bringing more life and fun on board. He eagerly anticipates showcasing these designs, viewing them as a reminder of the country’s countless reasons for celebration and an opportunity to share the airline’s passion for flying with customers.

Meet The Artists

Jade Klara

Cape Town native and ocean lover Jade finds the inspiration for her perfectly imperfect creations from everyday life, the ocean, and old books. The portrait and editorial specialist has always had an innate desire to express the internal feelings people struggle to express externally through art. Her FlySafair piece draws on the excitement she experienced when taking a trip as a child, laced with nostalgia and a passion for the South African coast.

Glen James

The multi-skilled “re-designer” Glen has a history with FlySafair, being part of their original launch. The veteran marketeer found freedom in advertising, opening his own successful agency in 1994, taking a leap of faith at a time when people were leaving in droves. Having left agency life to the next generation, Glen now focuses on the beauty which surrounds his family farm in the Cape Winelands. It was here he found the inspiration for his “jewels”, the intricately designed flowers inspired by the wildflowers which cover the Cape, seemingly out of nowhere.

Megan Andrews

Born with a pencil in hand, Megan’s passion for colour and all things whimsical has led her to a multi-faceted career as an illustrator, photographer, graphic designer, and children’s book author. Drawing inspiration from her favourite Disney movies and tattoo art, Megan has become known for fun, happy, and colourful designs. This unique style is clear in her FlySafair creation, which draws you in and makes you smile with its hidden details similar to that of books like Where’s Wally?

Wesley Van Eeden

Wesley found his passion for art while seeking adventure on the streets of Durban with his friends and his skateboard. It was on these trips around town looking for new places to skate that Wesley developed his ability to look beyond the literal and find beauty in the ordinary. With aspirations to become a designer at a large skateboarding brand, Wesley’s style is inspired by street art and comic styles. Having travelled extensively, his piece is a celebration of the warmth and friendliness of the South African people, a celebration of our country’s organic, imperfect beauty.

Zinhle Sithebe (Zee)

Finalist in Nando’s hot designer competition, Zee is a creative force who draws inspiration from her rich Zulu heritage. An advocate for self-love, Zee’s artwork focuses on diversity, bringing attention to the unique and often complex identities of those around her. Zee’s piece for FlySafair draws on her passion for her heritage by including Zulu and Ndebele patterns, as well as elephants, which, to her, represent the resilience and humility of South African people.

Maggie De Vos

A last-minute decision to change study paths led Maggie to the world of illustration. Today, the passionate creative, and lecturer enjoys playing with humour and looking at the subtle dance that is everyday human interaction. This focus on humour led Maggie to focus on emotional messaging. Combined with her passion for the South African landscape, Maggie’s artwork for FlySafair is a celebration of all the wonderful corners of South Africa she has visited, drawing you in with its fine detail.

Wings and Wishes

The seventh design which will be featured in the FlySafair aircraft is a special one created by the children of Wings and Wishes. Part of the FlySafair family since 2022, Wings and Wishes is dedicated to transporting financially underprivileged chronically ill children to destinations where they can receive life saving medical attention. Their design is an amalgamation of drawings coloured in by their children.