The Cape Wine Auction 2025: A Celebration of Art, Wine, and Giving Back
The Cape Wine Auction 2025 is set to be a premier event that merges the world of fine wines with philanthropy, offering exclusive auction lots in support of educational initiatives in the Cape Winelands. Among the extraordinary auction items, a standout feature this year is But I Fly, a remarkable bronze sculpture by celebrated South African artist Anton Smit.
Anton Smit’s But I Fly: A Story of Resilience and Hope
Renowned for his ability to translate deep human emotion into sculpture, Anton Smit presents But I Fly, a stunning bronze piece standing 1670mm high, 350mm wide, and 300mm deep. This artwork is part of a limited edition of 12 and reflects the artist’s ongoing exploration of suffering, healing, and hope.
Smit’s artistic philosophy is deeply rooted in storytelling, and But I Fly encapsulates the essence of resilience. The piece was conceptualized in 2017, a time when Smit sought to represent the struggle of overcoming pain and the ability to rise above it. The accompanying poem by Amy Louise Kerswell speaks to hidden pain, silent struggles, and the ultimate triumph of the soul:
“My soul is broken.
My pain is never spoken.
It’s all hidden behind my smile.
And written in my eyes.
My soul is in the skies.”
Through this work, Smit encourages viewers to reflect on their own journeys, acknowledging both their vulnerabilities and the strength that comes with acceptance. His commitment to social responsibility is also noteworthy—he donates 5% of his sculpture sales to aid affected communities, reinforcing the idea that art can serve a greater purpose beyond aesthetics.
The Cape Wine Auction: Elevating Art, Wine, and Community
Since its inception, the Cape Wine Auction has been more than just a luxurious event; it has been a force for change in the education sector. The funds raised contribute to improving schools, literacy programs, and overall educational development in the Western Cape. This year, guests will not only have the opportunity to bid on fine wines and once-in-a-lifetime experiences but also to own a piece of Anton Smit’s legacy, ensuring that both art and philanthropy leave a lasting impact.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a wine connoisseur, or someone passionate about making a difference, the Cape Wine Auction 2025 is an event that brings together exclusivity, elegance, and generosity.
To learn more and place a bid, visit www.thecapewineauction.com
Enquire about a Sculpture
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Art Works at Kirstenbosch Gardens
Born in Boksburg in August 1954, Anton entered his first sculpting exhibition at the age of sixteen and won first prize. Following successful exhibitions in White River, Nelspruit, Pretoria and Cape Town, Smit turned to sculpting full-time.
In 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 followed in Bonn, Washington, Singapore and Koln.
His body of work comprises towering human figures, nudes, heads, masks, hands, angels, floating and stretching figures, warriors, as well as abstract works, sculpted out of steel, metal, stone and a unique iron and polymer cast mixture, as well as bronze.
Anton’s work is included in the permanent collections of the Pretoria Art Museum, Rupert Museum, Graff/Delaire Collection, University of Pretoria Museums , Century City Art Foundation.
VIEW MORE OF ANTON SMIT SCULPTURE PORTFOLIO HERE
About Anton Smit Sculptures
Address: Black Eagle Lane, Aqua Vista Mountain Estate, Bronkhorstspruit dam, 1020
South Africa