Love is in the air

WORDS Debbie Loots

Take a look around the Mother City for artist Michael Elion’s little heart stickers, they are stuck all over Cape Town’s lampposts, mail boxes, obliging walls, and if he can have his way, soon on the wings of Boeings. Part of his Secret Love Project, they’re stuck out there to warm the cockles of our stoniest of city hearts, get the good vibes going and spread the groovy feeling of love.

An official World Design Capital 2014 project, Michael’s regards the endeavor as a social engineering experiment inspired by none other than the fabulous British illusionist, artist and writer Derren Brown. Michael thinks the simple, universally recognised heart-shape is a symbol with mood-altering power.

An architect with a Masters degree in Philosophy (aesthetics) obtained in Paris, Michael is interested in the effect of visual stimuli on the subconscious; just as an image of a swastika can have a negative effect on the emotions, so he thinks a simple heart-shape signifies positivity and can therefore stimulate related emotions. He sees his Secret Love Project as a collaborative work of art: the little heart stickers all form part of the larger work – good emotions and behaviour initiated by positive collective awareness.

Officially launched at the Culture Gallery in Woodstock, the Secret Love Project goes beyond stickers – work by artists Ree Treweek, Guto Bassab, Michael himself and others is on display and a few lucky guests went home with heart tattoos! There is also a dentist who will be fashioning gold hearts on willing visitors’ teeth during the course of the exhibition.

Michael is self-funding the Secret Love Project and is selling the hearts at various outlets to help get it off the ground. He is also busy establishing an NGO, has plans to initiate charitable sponsorships as well as get involved in crowd funding. But, he needs a little help to make all his philanthropic dreams come true, so have a heart, stick it up and spread a little love. 

www.michaelelion.net, www.facebook.com/SecretLoveProject2014

Michael is also doing the City of Rainbows project for the WDC2014, which includes 25 manmade rainbows being installed in our city. Read more in the new WILD DESIGN issue of VISI magazine – incidentally, also an official World Design Capital 2014 project.