Sea Level is a creative celebration of Zanzibar’s rich and fascinating heritage as seen today. Captured in drawings by artist and designer Sarah Markes, this book presents a unique and personal portrait of Stone Town’s vibrant streets and showcases the island’s natural beauty and cultural wealth. It is also a call to recognize the threats posed to Zanzibar’s heritage and the invaluable need to conserve it.
This is the second book in the series, following Street Level – A Collection of Drawings and Creative Writing Inspired by Dar es Salaam. Now in its third edition, Street Level was described by MG Vassanji as “A truly delightful book, a must for those who love Dar and care about its history.”
About the Artist:
Sarah Markes studied graphic design and illustration at Central St. Martins College of Art in London and has spent the past two decades applying these skills in educational contexts across East and Southern Africa. Her work includes educational comics, awareness campaigns, radio shows, and schoolbooks on public health, human rights, and environmental issues in Malawi, Tanzania, Southern Sudan, and Zambia. She has also documented the cultural and natural heritage of places through her artwork to raise awareness of their value and to support conservation efforts.
In recent years, her collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has allowed her to contribute to preserving Tanzania’s remarkable biodiversity, bringing her to live for a time in Unguja.
Sea Level follows Street Level, first published in 2011 and now in its fourth edition. Inspired by Dar es Salaam, Street Level documents the city’s rich architectural heritage and contemporary urban life while raising awareness of threats posed by demolitions and unplanned development. Sea Level continues this mission, portraying the streets and scenes of Stone Town, highlighting their fragile state, and encouraging support for conservation efforts.
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