From Plastic to Portraits: “Juju” Brings Art and Sustainability to Life
When art and purpose intertwine, something truly magical happens. This latest collaboration between Marina da Gama artist Darren Wilmot and Re.Bag.Re.Use proves just that.
Titled “Juju”, the captivating piece fuses fine art with environmental consciousness. The 600 x 600 mm acrylic-on-canvas portrait celebrates colour, texture, and collaboration, with crocheted braids made from repurposed pink and red bread bags.
The braids were crocheted by Margaret Nyika, a Re.Bag.Re.Use artisan from Hout Bay, using the intricate Jasmine stitch to create rich texture and movement. Each strand tells a story of transformation, from waste plastic to woven beauty.
Multi-talented Darren, a former schoolteacher turned artist, has built a reputation for his emotive portraits and automotive-inspired pieces. His inspiration for Juju came from a close friend and fellow artist from Tanzania who shares his creative spirit and zest for life.
“My inspiration is a girl I worked with from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, a few years back, Juju,” says Darren. “She is an artist, a model, and a free spirit. We shared great times together in Cape Town, and this piece captures that energy and joy.”
The collaboration with Re.Bag.Re.Use, a local social and environmental initiative that turns discarded plastic bags into functional art, embodies the essence of creativity meeting conscience.
“We love working with artists like Darren,” shares Regine le Roux, founder of Re.Bag.Re.Use. “It shows that sustainability does not have to be dull; it can be bold, expressive, and utterly beautiful. It reminds us that beauty can come from the most unexpected places, and that every act of creativity can make a difference.
Through partnerships like this, Re.Bag.Re.Use continues to redefine what art and sustainability can look like. Every creation tells a story of human connection, environmental care, and the endless potential of imagination.
Follow Darren’s work: Instagram @darrenwilmotart or WhatsApp 082 050 3282
Learn more about Re.Bag.Re.Use: www.rebagreuse.com
Alexis Knipe
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