Faith XLVII on Morning Cruise: A Conversation with a Street Art Icon

 On Morning Cruise, we had the absolute honor of welcoming one of South Africa’s most influential street artists, Faith XLVII. Known for her breathtaking murals and immersive multimedia works, Faith’s art explores themes of human connection, social justice, and the passage of time. From the walls of Cape Town to cities across the world, her work has left a lasting impact, and we were thrilled to have her share her journey with us on Bush Radio 89.5 FM.

Faith spoke about how her love for art began in childhood, describing creativity as something innate in all of us. She reminisced about her upbringing with a single mother who encouraged a sense of magic and wonder, which she has carried into her artistic practice. For Faith, art is not just about the visuals—it’s about maintaining a connection with the natural world, with oneself, and with the surrounding environment.

We delved into her transition from graffiti to large-scale murals, discussing how she started in the graffiti scene as a teenager. She reflected on the early days when the goal was simply to make a name for herself in prominent locations. Over time, however, her perspective shifted towards engaging more deeply with communities and spaces, understanding how art interacts with people’s daily lives. Whether creating monumental pieces visible from miles away or tiny, hidden works in abandoned buildings, Faith values the way art can exist within society rather than being confined to traditional galleries.

Faith addressed the challenges artists face in South Africa, particularly in Cape Town, where restrictive by-laws make public art difficult to create. Despite these challenges, she remains committed to using art as a tool for storytelling and social change. She also shared her thoughts on the increasing role of artificial intelligence in the art world, emphasizing her love for tangible, process-driven work that engages with the physical world rather than digital shortcuts.

Having lived in the U.S. for seven years and painted in cities worldwide, Faith reflected on how different locations shape her work. One of her most meaningful projects, The Medicinal Flowers of Lebanon, involved painting flowers emerging from the rubble of war-torn buildings in Beirut, symbolizing resilience and hope. For her, working in diverse environments offers a deeper understanding of different cultures, struggles, and histories, which continuously shape her artistic evolution.

Faith’s work has long been associated with themes of human rights, displacement, and spirituality. While her earlier projects carried more overt political messages, she now leans towards a subtler approach, believing that true change begins internally before rippling outward. She views art as a transformative force—one that doesn’t always have to be loud to be powerful.

Speaking with Faith XLVII was a true privilege. Her insights, experiences, and artistic philosophy left us inspired, and we hope our listeners felt the same. If you want to keep up with her incredible work, be sure to follow her on Instagram at @faith47.

Presenters: Khusi & Camille

Written by: Camille