Page 43 - Intra Muros December Issue 2024

The Art Café and Gallery Anton and Roelien

space blends into the overhead rocky provide learning opportunities for his team More local exhibitions followed in the
outcrop, creating viewpoints and display members, fostering their growth as artists in 1980s. In 1991, he held his first overseas
spaces for Anton’s colossal sculptures. their own right. exhibitions in Rome, in Milan and at the
Festival dei Due Mondi in Spoletto, Italy.
Anton and Roelien have cultivated a About Anton and his work He held solo exhibitions at Sweeguan
unique and familial relationship with their Anton is celebrated for his ability to convey Art Gallery in Singapore (1993) and at
amazing team of workers. They oversee complex emotional narratives through large- the Omni Gallery in New York (1994), as
a dedicated workforce of 16 individuals scale sculptures that resonate deeply with well as at galleries in Amsterdam (2004)
at Anton’s studio. There’s a strong sense audiences around the world. So, where did and Germany (1994 and 2014), to name
of community and collaboration as Anton it all start? a few.
and Roelien emphasise the importance of
teamwork and mutual support. Anton was born on 2 August 1954 in Anton’s personal highlights include his
Boksburg. He began exhibiting his art in 1976 participation in the inauguration of
Anton says he serves as a mentor to and won the South African Association of President Nelson Mandela at the Union
his workers, guiding them through the Arts’ New Signatures competition in 1979. Buildings in Pretoria and his exhibitions
intricacies of sculpting techniques and He held his first solo exhibition in 1980 at the at prestigious venues like Grand Central
materials. He uses his experience to Beuster-Skolimowski Gallery here in Pretoria. Station in New York.
Anton Smit with one of his works in the Park

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