The Blyde - Kungwini Head

Anton Smit was born in Boksburg, Johannesburg, in 1954. He is a completely self-taught artist who started sculpting at 16 years old. He spends part of the year in his studios in the Western Cape and the other part at his Bronkhorstspruit Dam studios. He is globally admired for his giant heads and African sculptures. His works can be found in public and private collections across South Africa and internationally. His works can be made of metals, stones, and a unique cast mixture that combines metal with other mediums. Find out more about Anton Smit and his other work on his website.

Material: GRP (Bronze optional)

Multicultural nobility and grace

The sculpture shows the aristocratic profile of a beautiful African woman in traditional dress, with the features of her race, but also not unlike the features of European and Asian women – uniting these contrasting worlds and identities artistically in a symbiotic relationship.

After all, South Africa is a new nation now, comprised mainly of African, Asian and European identities, representing a newly forged national identity and ethos. The diverse representation of instinctive insights provides moments we can recognise and identify with. This forging of a new cultural identity is what the sculpture celebrates as an emblem of the New South African – confident, strong, and beautiful.

“South Africa has an abundance of important statues focused on our history and the past, on prominent leaders of the ANC and the Afrikaner. But what we also need are striking symbols of the new South Africa and our common future. ” – Anton Smit

Find out more about this artwork on the artist website

https://www.antonsmit.co.za/

 @antonsmitsculpturepark