Smit constructs sculptures that capture the human form. Each sculpture is tethered to the grasping of faith and the creative expression of poetry. The sculptures by Anton Smit stand strong in and out of time, through time, in graceful defiance of the notion of inevitable impermanence and the vicissitudes of life.
Anton Smit is a widely revered South African sculptor, born in Boksburg, South Africa
(August 1954). Completely self-taught, he entered his first sculpting competition at the age
of sixteen, and won the first prize. He received an honourable mention in 1988 at the SA
Association of Arts’ New Signatures Competition exhibition and proceeded to coin the first
prize in the same competition in 1979.
Following successful exhibitions in Nelspruit, White River, Cape Town and Pretoria, Smit
turned to sculpting full-time to fulfill the demand for his work by galleries and private
collectors alike.
During 1990, international recognition came in the form of exhibitions in Rome and Milan,
an invitation to exhibit in New York and Hong Kong as well as a return exhibition in Italy in
1993. More exhibitions have followed in Bonn, Washington, Singapore and Koln. Since
Anton was recognised as a budding sculptor in his early years he has never looked back. With consistent hard work and continuous international and local exhibitions, ever increasing search for new and deeper artistic expression, Anton Smit is arguably one of the major sculptors alive today.
“I like to imbue my work with an illusion of movement or gesture, bodies curling up or limbs reaching out to the onlooker, a call to movement. Some observers have noted that this is why so many of my pieces, even the most abstract ones, manage to communicate powerfully and emotionally. My sculptures and art are possessed with a raw, earthy power that feels innately African.” - Anton Smit
Smit has exhibited across South Africa, with exhibitions in Witrivier, Nelspruit, Pietersburg, Johannesburg, Potchefstroom, Durban and Cape Town, in leading galleries such as the Crake, Kraft, Olivetti, Michaelatos, Beuster Skolimowski, Everard Read and many othersSmit gained international recognition after exhibiting in Rome and Milan, receiving an invitation to exhibit in New York and Hong Kong and a return exhibition that took place in Italy in 1993. More exhibitions followed in Bonn, Washington, Singapore and Koln. In n 1994 he put 35 sculptures on exhibition in New York at the Grand Central Station as part of the Strengthening the Link initiative to boost trade between South Africa and The United States, organised by SATOUR in conjunction with the Department of Trade and Industry, represented by former president Nelson Mandela.
The concept of merging graffiti and sculpture arose from a fortuitous encounter with art student Roan Hendrikz. Caught painting on a sculpture donated by Anton to the Arts Association in Pretoria, Roan’s actions sparked a unique response from Anton. Rather than chastising the young artist, Anton proposed an inspired punishment: Roan would annually bestow the sculpture with a new and inspired graffiti creation. The incident ignited conversations and debate, drawing attention to the sculpture’s expressive power and embodying the ever-evolving nature of art.
“Every time the sculpture became vandalised, they had to re-plaster it. But after the constant refurbishing, the gallery decided that it would be easier to paint it white. As soon as they painted it white; I saw the sculpture as an open canvas. I decided to ‘vandalise’ the sculpture in my own way. But instead, paint it in a fresh and exciting way for the public to re-discover. As the years passed on, the sculpture became a platform for me to conceptually experiment with. I once wrapped it with plastic covering. Also, I used plastered sand and covered the statue with a simple line relief. My memories of the sculpture was an important stage in my artistic development; and I considered it as my first step into the public art. I hope Anton and I can one day collaborate again.” – Roan Hendrikz
“Urban Echoes” stands as a testament to the creative resilience that arises from the fusion of diverse artistic expressions. Anton Smit’s creative vision, combined with the energy of graffiti art, captivates and transcends the boundaries of conventional artistic practice.
Art is metamorphic in nature and opens a contemplative space where our perceptions can be shifted. Walking through Nelson Mandela Square one is compelled to stop, to pause and become transformed by the beauty and power of twenty-five monumental sculptures in Anton Smits latest exhibition “Colossal”. Anton Smit, the world renowned South African Sculptor, will be unveiling his latest exhibition “Colossal” at Artyli Gallery.
