A zebra from Joburg has been spotted en route to a Starfish in New York…
New York City, United States (11 March 2026) – It’s true! The zebra is an artwork, created by South African contemporary artist James Delaney – the very same man responsible for restoring one of Johannesburg’s most popular parks, The Wilds!
Second in the lineage of his limited edition family of eight, Delaney’s zebra will be joining the Starfish Gala in New York, where a curation of artworks and experiences will be up for silent and live auction this week, all in support of a meaningful cause.
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The Starfish Greathearts Foundation has, for a quarter century, worked to support over 300,000 vulnerable children in South Africa with healthcare, nutrition, and stability. Their annual fundraising gala and auction draws on the support of artists and organisations to further that impact.
This year’s selection features around a dozen or more speciality curated pieces and experiences, including artworks by South African artists Astrid Dahl, Arthur Dlamini, and, of course, James Delaney.
Delaney has contributed many pieces toward Starfish auctions in the past, more have been donated this year, including the zebra and a first edition print, along with several smaller pieces.
“I’ve given early editions of many doorways prints over the years to the gala, so it’s become a bit of a tradition for me.” he shares on social media. “It’s shot outside Henry Birks & Sons, an old jewelry store on a public square in the city. The door is a very striking blue, and apart from the detail of people walking past in their winter clothes, the clock above shows different times.”
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The zebra may also be easily recognisable to South Africans who have travelled Joburg’s major Gillooly’s Highway Interchange in recent months. Five of its family members, along with 80 flying egrets made by Delaney, were installed in the middle of the interchange as part of the JoziMyJozi initiative to revitalise the gateways to the city.
Now, a member of the family has touched down in New York, ready to make a big impact for the kids back home. First, some sightseeing!
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James is in New York currently, and will be in attending the gala to celebrate 25 impactful years of Starfish!
“It’s so important for artists to use what we have to benefit others. The work that Starfish is doing is important.” James tells us.
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