The World of Anton Smit: Sculpture, Poetry, and Profound Faith
This blog post explores the life, work, and philosophy of South African sculptor, Anton Smit, drawing from his artistic history, landmark projects, and philanthropic vision.
About Anton Smit & History | Exhibitions Highlights
Anton Smit is a renowned South African sculptor whose works are often described as monumental in size yet never lacking grace and harmony. He is considered an Artist, Poet, and Philanthropist. His command over his media and materials is complete, allowing him to work mainly with bronze, resin, metal, and stone. He also creates a unique iron and polymer cast mixture.
Smit’s graceful forms, particularly his stylish human faces and figures, convey an impression of lightness and flight. His imagination’s forces are nearly tangible and infuse the areas surrounding his sculptures. Many have noted that even his most abstract works possess a raw, earthy power that feels African, and they manage to communicate powerfully and emotionally.
The sculptor likes to imbue his work with an illusion of movement or gesture. His body of work encompasses towering human figures, nudes, impressive heads, masks, hands, angels, floating and stretching figures, warriors, and abstract pieces. As Art Curator Kathleen Thomas states, “Anton forms his own language through sculpture, the manifestation of his passion for expression and his profound faith“.
Landmark Exhibitions and History:
- Early Career: Anton Smit’s first artistic breakthrough came in 1977.
- International Recognition: His work was lauded internationally in places like Venice and Rome, Italy (1991), The Swee Kuan Art Gallery, Singapore (1993), and Wolfsburg, Germany (1994).
- Key Commissions:
- In 1994, he completed a commissioned piece for BMW Head Office in Midrand.
- In 1998, a piece was exhibited at the Embassy in Amsterdam.
- In 2007, he completed the Public Commission for the National Library of Tshwane in Pretoria.
- In 2009, a large sandstone head and other art were commissioned by Delaire Graff Wine Estate.
- In 2012, his “Transcendental Head/Kungwini” public sculpture on the R25, a symbol of the new South Africa, was created.
- The Reverberating Time Solo Exhibition (2014): This highly anticipated show was displayed in Cape Town before half of the pieces were sent to Germany to be presented at the world-renowned contemporary art fair, Art Cologne.
- Synergy with Ferrari (2018): Anton Smit’s sculptures and collections, representing power and design excellence, were introduced to the guests of the Ferrari Fine Arts Exhibition.
Projects: The Iconic ‘Faith’ Sculpture
Anton Smit’s work is profoundly driven by faith, and this spiritual essence is central to every piece he creates. His sculptures often feature poetry and explore themes such as suffering, reconciliation, glory, and sublimation. He notes: “My work is driven by faith; the spiritual essence of every piece is an answer to that inner call“.
The Evolution of Faith
- Conceptualization: The Faith sculpture was first conceptualized in 2007 as a universal piece representing mankind striving for pure Faith.
- Growth and Impact: Initially a life-size sculpture, Smit realized Faith could have a greater impact in public spaces and began making it in many different sizes.
- The Monumental Faith: The 7-meter version of the Faith sculpture was originally constructed from steel and GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic), using a system of flanges and pipes that lock together automatically. Bronze versions were later cast.
- Locations: Today, the 7-meter Faith sculpture can be seen at the Anton Smit Sculpture Park in Bronkhorstspruit Dam, as well as in Hermanus, Genk (Belgium), and Norway.
- Poetic Inspiration: The inspiration for Faith is expressed in a poem by Anton Smit: “I lift my eyes to You, to You whose throne is in heaven… In complete submission to GOD“.
ARTIST, POET, PHILANTHROPIST
Anton Smit is not only an artist and a sculptor but also a poet and philanthropist. He is known to embody poetry, a term aptly derived from the ancient term for “making”. Smit believes that “Man emulates and assimilates nature, producing poetry in word and form“. The emotional echoes of his lyrics and the sounds of sculpting are common in his studio.
The elegant lines of the human form in his work speak of the artist’s search for the fundamental nature of human creation through divine meditation. His poetry often explores deep themes of self, suffering, and eternity, stating: “When you have a fleeting glimpse of eternity. It leaves you breathless. Weightless – falling into the remains of love“.
Social Responsibility and Community Involvement
Both Anton and Roelien Smit are deeply committed to social responsibility and believe in the future of South African children. They support the idea that it takes an entire community to provide positively for children so they can grow in a safer, healthier environment.
- Ubuhle Christian School: They are strongly involved with the Ubuhle Christian School.
- Funding Through Art: 10% of the proceeds from their sculpture sales are donated to the Ubuhle Christian School.
- Educational Support: They support education and provide funds to supply food to children from nearby disadvantaged communities.
- Other Supported Organizations: Anton and Roelien also support organizations such as the Mad Foundation, Lunchbox Foundation, Cape Wine Auction, Cancer Association, and others.