The latest iteration of Anton Smit's Art Meets Nature exhibition, including some of his latest sculptures, has been installed at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Roodepoort, near Johannesburg, marking the third public garden in the country where his work can be viewed in situ. Smit's sculptures are also up at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town and, closer to home, at Pretoria National Botanical Garden.
This collaboration with the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is a fusion of art and nature; combining Smit's distinctive sculptures with the lush, natural beauty of these iconic green spaces. Keep reading for the details on all three Art Meets Nature installations, more about the South African sculptor, and where else to see his work in the wild.
1. Art Meets Nature – Anton Smit's sculptures at Walter Sisulu and beyond
Each of the locations enhances the impact of Smit's sculptures in a different way, by virtue of the character of the gardens themselves and the deliberate positioning of Smit's work within certain spaces. You'll see a wide variety of pieces at all three Art Meets Nature installations. Viewing is included in the entrance fee.
WALTER SISULU NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN
Address: Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort
Opening hours: 08:00 – 17:00
Entrance fee: R25 – R80 p.p. Book here.
PRETORIA NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN
Address: 2 Cussonia Ave, Brummeria, Pretoria
Opening hours: 08:00 – 18:00, no entry after 17:00
Entrance fee: R70 – R90 p.p. Payment at the gate. Note: only cashless payments are accepted.
KIRSTENBOSCH NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN
Address: Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town
Opening hours: 08:30 – 17:30
Entrance fee: R230 per standard adult, R100 p.p. for South African residents. Book here.
If you spot a piece you love on your visit and want to make it your own, sculptures in these exhibits are available for purchase. You can also commission a custom sculpture from Smit; email info@antonsmit.co.za for more information.
2. Who is Anton Smit? The South African sculptor's history and practice
Anton Smit is a self-taught South African sculpture artist born in 1954 in Boksburg. His artistic journey began at the age of 16 when he won first prize at his very first exhibition. Since then, he’s gained international recognition, showcasing his work across the globe in cities like Rome, Milan, Amsterdam, and Cologne.
His body of work comprises towering human figures that create an illusion of movement or gesture, bodies curling up, or limbs reaching out to the onlooker. He also sculpts nudes, heads, masks, hands, angels, floating and stretching figures, warriors, as well as abstract works that are skillfully crafted from steel, stone, bronze, and a unique iron-polymer blend that combines metal with several other mediums.
One of the most profound ways in which Smit’s work resonates is through his exploration of humanity’s place within this vast universe of ours. A connection with nature and our fellow beings is at the heart of much of his work; themes that carry through strongly in his Art Meets Nature installations. With these, the beauty of the environment only serves to amplify the emotional depth of Smit's creations.
Smit expresses this beautifully in a poem describing his piece, Crouching Man – a sculpture currently installed at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
My inspiration is derived from the interconnectedness of our being –
the flawed cohesiveness of man.
The power to love and hope.
The ever-present awareness of our inadequacy.
We twist and turn in vain to break free,
only to be deeply woven into the fabric
of man’s epic journey.
3. Visit the Anton Smit Sculpture Park in Aqua Vista
In 2003, Smit established his own sculpture garden, the Anton Smit Sculpture Park in Aqua Vista Mountain Estate, Bronkhorstspruit. The park spans three hectares on the northern side of the Bronkhorstspruit Dam, perched on a plateau with sweeping views of the water.
Located just 40 minutes from Pretoria and 60 minutes from Johannesburg, this is a one-of-a-kind outdoor gallery that draws both local and international visitors, including art collectors and tourists. Set against a backdrop of natural rock formations, lawns, and succulent gardens, the park offers an ideal setting to enjoy an extensive collection of large-scale sculptures by Smit. It also features an art gallery and the Art Café coffee shop.
4. Sculpture spotting: Where else to see Smit's work
If you frequent Nelson Mandela Square at Sandton City, chances are you've spotted Smit's work there. For the Urban Echoes series, Smit collaborated with graffiti artist Mars who painted over eight three-metre-tall heads inspired by Easter Island – each representing a different aspect of Joburg's energy. A few of these can still be seen in the Anton Smit Sculpture Walk at Nelson Mandela Square, which features a rotating selection of the sculptor's work. Also in the business district of Sandton, Smit's work can be viewed on the grounds of Seven Villa Hotel & Spa.
In photos: Art Meets Nature by Anton Smit
If you're an art enthusiast, nature lover, or looking for a memorable family outing, Smit's Art Meets Nature exhibition checks many boxes. Enjoy unique artworks by the renowned local sculptor set against the backdrop of three of the country's incredible National Botanical Gardens. Below, a few pictures of Smit's work at Walter Sisulu and Kirstenbosch.
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