“I’ve always felt a strong connection to the ocean, growing up in-between New Zealand and the Cook Islands, its hard to escape the wonders and beauty of the ocean. The joys it brings and the mutual understanding of its immense power and ability to give, as well as take away life.

The ocean has always been a source of life, food, energy, and breath. A delicate system of balance. With sharks being the apex predators at the top, keeping that whole system in check. Sharks have been living on this planet for 450 million years, and over the past 15 years global shark populations have decreased by 90%, with an estimated 100 million sharks being killed per year.

With Indonesia being the top county in the world contributing to shark fishing and the lucrative finning trade, painting here, it made sense to create a strong and powerful work with a direct message. No Fin, No Future. Tanpa strip hiu, tidak ada masa depan.

A Dakuwaqa Project tribute to the late, great Rob Stewart, an absolute legend, who devoted his life to this cause. I’m honored to paint a mural in your memory and to help carry out your life efforts.”

“I came to Cairns to paint about single-use plastic, to highlight how our love for convenience has led to its infiltration of every part of our natural world. Using the mutually beneficial relationship that exists between sharks and remora fish, I highlighted how our pollution would result in the loss of species and have a detrimental effect on all life in the ocean.

Tiger sharks are native to the local area, and once I arrived to paint, the PangeaSeed Foundation team introduced me to the documentary “Sharkwater” by Rob Stewart. His work opened my eyes to how we are vilifying, neglecting and decimating these incredible creatures that represent a vital chain in the health of the ocean. This is how special the PangeaSeed Foundation's Sea Walls: Artists for Oceans program is. I came to raise awareness of one issue, and during my time in Cairns, I was made aware of so many other important issues that also need our attention and care. I came to educate and influence and was myself educated and influenced. I’m honored to dedicate this piece to the memory of Rob Stewart, a man who spent his life fighting to protect creatures that don’t have a voice of their own. Long may we continue the work he began.”

Artist statement coming soon

"In celebration of the life and legacy of Rob Stewart we wanted to pull inspiration from his esteemed body of work. We assembled a peaceful underwater scene with use of his actual photography and film still frames. Torontonians are all accustomed to the urban environment or “concrete jungle” that Rob grew up in. As was customary with Rob’s work we wanted to ‘break down a wall’ to reveal the beauty that inspired him. By using the trompe l’oeil effect we created a literal window into Rob’s world and a glimpse into his soul."

See full recap of the activation here