21 Apr 2023 Did you know that a group of rhinos is called a ‘crash’? Perhaps it’s because of the impact they make in those rare moments when they charge through the landscape. Unfortunately, they don’t get a chance to charge away from their biggest predators: poachers! Humans shoot at them unawares, just to get their hands on their high-value horns. It’s a plight most of the remaining rhinos in the world are facing, with only 27,000 remaining in the wild, according to WWF. At the V&A Waterfront, we are dedicated to supporting causes that serve the planet and its creatures. That’s why we’re gathering our own crash of rhinos in one visible location, to show off the power of these magnificent animals – in a very different way. From Saturday 22 April, visitors to Cape Town’s Waterfront will have the chance to see 10 artistic rhino sculptures standing together for the first time in ages. They form part of a public-arts programme called The Rhinos Are Coming, supported by the V&A. Besides creating awareness of the near-extinction of our precious wild friends – who form part of the iconic Big 5 – the programme also raises funds for StopRhinoPoaching.com. Each rhino has been painted by a South African artist, illustrator or muralist, as well as art students from programmes that support creativity. In total, 20 such rhinos have been created, with sponsorship from corporate benefactors. The 10 that will appear in this exhibition have been painted by the likes of Beezy Baily, Nardstar* and Bushy Wopp, amongst other popular local artists. Placing this colourful crash of rhinos in one spot is the V&A Waterfront’s unique way of supporting Earth Day this month. Pay the interactive exhibition a visit, take a memorable photo and make your mark to stop the extinction of these beautiful animals. Visit this free outdoor exhibition at the Clocktower Precinct, from 22 April to end May (the exhibition moves to Alfred Plaza, outside the Victoria & Alfred Hotel, afterwards.) For more information on The Rhinos Are Coming arts initiative, or to sponsor a future rhino sculpture, visit therhinosarecoming.org
