Anton Smit Sculpture Park & Art Gallery opens at Benguela Cove

Wine, food and the visual arts merge seamlessly at the Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate, where owner, Penny Streeter OBE, in collaboration with South African sculptor, Anton Smit hosted the official launch of a new Art Gallery and Sculpture Park at this scenic destination. The torrential rains of the previous day had ceased and a gloriously sunny day greeted guests who attended the opening on Saturday 26 October.

Widely revered for his monumental sculptures, evoking themes of suffering, reconciliation, glory and sublimation, Anton’s works grace public and private collections throughout South Africa and internationally. Comprising towering human figures, tender nudes, impressive heads, masks, angels, warriors, floating and stretching figures, as well as abstracts, his work is possessed of a raw, earthy power that feels innately African.

Using steel, metal, fibreglass, stone, iron and bronze, Anton likes to imbue his work with an illusion of movement or gesture, with bodies curling up or limbs reaching out to the onlooker. Visitors are invited to explore the 40 pieces on display at Benguela, collectively titled ‘Oblivion of the Waves’, which are scattered throughout the tasting venue, the art gallery, the cellar, restaurant and courtyard, as well as on the terrace and in the garden, and at the entrance to the estate.

“Oblivion of the Waves suits its new home at Benguela Cove, so close to the sea. This work investigates the landscape of the soul, offering a fleeting glimpse of eternity. My work is driven by faith; the spiritual essence of every piece is an answer to that inner call,” says Anton Smit.

Click below to read more. (The full article can be found on page 16)