ART 29
Awakening by Charles Gotthard. STEYN CITY’S OUTDOOR ART
In 2012, Johannesburg’s Steyn City invited artists with no formal training to create outdoor art for the residential estate. Charles Gotthard, an architectural ceramist, is one whose work you can admire on a walk around the property
What drives you to create?
South African environmental art is a neglected part of our culture. Compared with Europe,
where there’s art around every corner, in SA most artists create for galleries, but few get involved in the landscape of our country.
Environmental art makes the surroundings more beautiful by introducing elements like water and plants, and people become more productive in
response. Steyn City’s environmental art captures little moments. The pieces repeat elements of the landscapes around them, but also invite viewers to engage with them.
Why is it important to share art this way? It makes art accessible for the visually impaired – they may not be able to see the pieces, but they can read the shapes by feeling the
textures we’ve introduced. Our art invites
people to become a part of their environment and the works themselves, rather than being merely spectators.
Why is outdoor art culturally important? Our artworks are a celebration of our local
heritage. The Ubuntu sculpture depicts figures sitting in a circle. These figures represent our 11 languages and the sensitivity of the circle, which is itself a symbol of the cycle of life. The figure made out of glass is another reference to the need to balance different cultures.
What do you hope visitors will take away from a visit?
We’d like to make an emotional impact on them because art addresses crucial life issues.
© Kevin Wright
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