A bright tribute to one of Joburg’s much-loved artists, activists, and explorers of the city.
Johannesburg, South Africa (05 March 2025) – Just before the Giraffe Lawns at The Wilds Municipal Nature Reserve, a new mosaic is catching the light among the park’s ever-growing collection.
The piece was crafted by the Spaza Art Trust, led by artist and activist Dionne MacDonald, as a dedication to Gail Scott Wilson – an artist, activist, photographer, lover of pink, and true icon of Joburg exploration – who passed away from terminal illness in July 2025.
In tributes, Gail is credited for spreading abundant love and beauty in the city that she saw, documented, and fought for. She made it more beautiful wherever she went.
The mosaic is based on Gail’s own painting of a pink giraffe – an animal close to her heart.
“This one has been lovingly created by the [Spaza Art] team in honour of Gail Scott Wilson, who loved our park & the city. She especially loved pink, had pink hair, and so the giraffe was close to her heart. The mosaic is based on Gail’s painting…of the giraffe & other elements of The Wilds.” shares James Delaney, the artist responsible for restoring The Wilds into the wonderful space it is today.
In the early days of restoring the park, Delaney says Gail arrived with pink fabric sporting the words ‘hug me’ which she wrapped around trees.
Gail loved The Wilds. When she had passed, her friends gathered there in memorial.
“She was a very special person who touched all of us.” adds Delaney.
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Lanseria Feral Kitties Gifted Brand New Feeder and Sleeper!The Wilds is now home to over 70 mosaics, many gifted in memory of special people who have passed on.
“The Wilds was a space that [Gail] loved and to which, over the years, she added her artworks. Wherever Gail went, she connected deeply and gave fully.” writes Johannesburg In Your Pocket, in a moving tribute.
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