Update: Secret Love Project

WORDS Debbie Loots

It’s easy to feel artist Michael Elion’s sweet little heart stickers throbbing their message of love all around Cape Town’s city streets.

Part of his Secret Love Project, launched earlier this year as a World Design Capital 2014 event, these romantic little shapes have been popping up on lampposts, postboxes and walls, even car doors and billboards these last few months. Wondering what’s happened since last we chatted, we caught up with Michael for an update.

When we announced artist Michael Elion’s Secret Love Project back in February, only a few hearts were up around Cape Town’s streets, and Michael said he was imagining hearts on the wings of Boeings.

Looking around now and hearts seem to be all over the Mother City, spreading the good vibes Michael thinks are inherent in this universally recognised shape. “But, there’s more to it than just the feel-good factor,” says Michael. “The heart-shape is a symbol that can influence the way we think and behave. The knock-off effect is action.”

Taking his own words to heart, Michael not only self-funds the Secret Love Project, he has also expanded his feel-good vision to “cover the homeless in love this winter.”

Through crowd-funding on Thundafund, his studio managed to raise R48 000, which has financed 280 rain suits for the homeless. Of these, 100 have been distributed already while another 180 will follow soon.

This spreading the love business is not all plain sailing though. The authorities sometimes remove the stickers because they see it as graffiti, and Michael continuously has to figure out ways for the project to sustain itself.

“But, the overwhelming positive feedback we get makes it all really very rewarding,” says Michael who has plans to go global with his love project.

We say watch this space for news about a Boeing with hearts on its wings.

michaelelion.net

facebook.com/SecretLoveProject2014