Mystery Artist Puts Ramsgate Coastline on the Map With Breathtaking Driftwood Sculptures

• Stunning driftwood statues are delighting visitors along Ramsgate's shoreline, enhancing the coastal landscape
• In an exclusive interview with Briefly News, a local content creator, Brendan Cluley, shared videos of the artworks, praising the unknown artist's creativity and talent
• Ramsgate Ramble trail attracts walkers and tourists to the KZN South Coast town, offering a unique art experience in nature

Sometimes the best surprises show up when you least expect them. That is exactly what beachgoers are experiencing at KwaZulu-Nata Ramsgate’s shoreline after beautiful artworks starting popping up along the coastline.

The displays include three figures of men and a striking face crafted entirely from washed-up timber. One of the installations can be found at Boulder Beach, with four separate displays spread along the trail.

The creative works were spotted and shared by resident Brendan Cluley. He filmed the statues on 25 January 2026 to give his social media followers a closer look.

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Known online as the Private Guy, Cluley told Briefly News the pieces caught locals' attention and sparked curiosity. He gave a shoutout to the unknown artist for creating something so beautiful for the community.

"Thank you to the person who has been making these stunning works of art. I wish I knew who it was, so we could thank them in person."

He added that after filming, many people walked over to the displays, snapping pics and soaking it all in.

"This is such a fantastic initiative and hopefully it will attract many tourists," he told Briefly News.

To help Facebook users, Cluley added a pinned location in the comments showing where to find the statues.

Watch the Facebook video below:

What can you find during the beach walk?

The Ramsgate Ramble stretches about five kilometres between Ramsgate and Southbroom, just southwest of Margate. The trail is family- and pet-friendly, with sandy sections ideal for picnics and paddling. Walkers can enjoy sea life, coastal plants, and stop at nearby cafés and restaurants along the way.

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Cluley later shared another video showing more of the creations he discovered along the beach. This time, he revealed an incredible timber creation shaped like a man’s face. Further along the coastline were two smaller fisherman figures, also crafted from the same material.

Cluley gushed about how creativity, time and the sea all played a role in shaping the artworks.

"An awesome reminder that you don’t need a big plan, just get out of the house, walk the beach, and see what you can discover locally."

Have a look at the Facebook video below:

Original art pieces get rave South African reviews

Social media users were stunned by the sculptures. Many praised the creativity and attention to detail. Others said the artwork has brought wonder to the beach.

Kobie Welgemoed said:

"Fantastic! Whoever is doing it, thank you. It is so special and give such a lot of joy. Be blessed wherever you are."

Gillian Gotte posted:

"Wow! Someone has amazing talent and imagination. "

Hannelie Brauteseth commented:

"Great artwork! Thank you for sharing, and hope we will discover the artist sometime."

Magda Ermitao typed:

"I see his fish is gone at the end of his fishing rod, which was a little stone. Beautiful!"

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"Stop the clock! Found the treasure."

3 Other viral stories about Durban beaches

• South African shared excitement as details of a R1 billion amusement park planned for the beachfront in Durban emerged.
• Briefly News featured footage of packed Durban beaches during the festive season sparked discussion across social media.
• Beachgoers were surprised after a black mamba was pulled and rescued from the water at a Durban beach.

Source: Briefly News