If you’ve ever seen a picture of a shark, you know they’re terrifying – just look at all those teeth! But despite the scary appearance, people are gladly taking pictures in front of one on the shores of Palolem Beach, South Goa, India. Now, you might think they’re crazy but relax – the shark isn’t real. It’s actually a beach stone cleverly disguised as a great white shark by American graffiti artist Jimmy Swift back in 2015.
Upon seeing the rock for the first time, the artist instantly knew it was the perfect place for a great white shark. “It’s truly amazing how mother nature can carve out such a perfect shape,” says the artist.
More Infor: Website | Instagram | Facebook
American graffiti artist Jimmy Swift disguised this beach stone like a great white shark back in 2015
Image credits: Jimmy Swift
“This was the hardest thing I’ve ever painted. I was literally beat up by the waves and rising tide and forced to stop before it was finished. I could have done better, but between the blowing sand and wind, splashing waves, burning hot sun and the fact I’ve never painted a shark before or painted on a 3-dimensional surface like a rock…. I think it turned out OK,” writes the artist on his Instagram post. “When I first saw this rock it looked like a perfect place for a great white. Hopefully, it doesn’t scare the shit out of people! This was inspired by the movie posters from Jaws…. A movie that scared the shit out of me when I was a kid!”
People love taking pictures in front of the shark
The shark has gone on to provide glorious photo ops for swimmers
Image credits: northern.gypsy
He said no matter what feeling or reaction his work emotes, big or small, for him this is the point of public art: “I think my favorite thing about public art is the impact it can have on people. You never know what one of your creations will bring to others. Some people might find it cute and something you take a selfie in front of and for others it might open up a deeper feeling within.”
Swift says the reaction to his public art pieces has been shocking
“I actually was surprised that it became what it’s become. Mostly I was surprised how it went viral on the internet. Tons of people re-posted it and even some celebrities like Slash from Guns n Roses.”
Due to the elements, Swift must revisit his shark for maintenance
“I used water-based spray paint which is better for the environment but it also doesn’t last as long as traditional spray paint so that’s why the shark fades with time. I have gone back twice to paint it and I plan on going back again this coming February.”
Image credits: Jimmy Swift
Image credits: Jimmy Swift
The shark was not his only mother nature-inspired creation. He transformed this large rock into an elephant complete with some bushy hair
Image credits: jimmy_swift
The elaborate elephant mural was longer labor of love.”The elephant that was about 3 times the size [as the shark] took me about 2 hours. But I wasn’t really in a rush. I would just add some lines and then walk back and check the composition.”
People loved Jimmy’s creative graffiti!
