Anton Smit

Anton Smit (born August 2, 1954) is a South African sculptor recognized for his wide-ranging body of work. This includes towering human figures, nudes, heads, masks, hands, angels, floating and stretching figures, and abstract works, most of which are made from steel, metal, sand casting, fiberglass, and bronze.
==Early life==
Born in Boksburg, South Africa, Smit grew up in a family where his father was a police officer and his mother, a teacher. He was surrounded by the raw realities of South Africa which later found expression in his art.
==Career==
Smit's art career spans several decades. His works have garnered international attention, attracting the likes of statesmen and esteemed art collectors. One of his career highlights includes "The Age of Grace," an eight-foot-high bronze sculpture showcased at the Grand Central Station in New York City. This piece celebrated South African Heritage and received significant recognition, even making it to the front cover of The New York Times.
==Artistic Approach==
Smit is known for his ability to translate complex human emotions and experiences into physical forms. He asserts that "Art is not to render the visible but to render visible." His pieces provide a narrative, often reflective of his own life experiences and struggles.
==Work Style and Locations==
Smit splits his time between his studios in Strand, Cape Town, and Bronkhorstspruit Dam. He maintains a dedicated workforce of 14 people who he describes as "like family." His work style is intensive and focused, spending the first three months of the year in Strand and the remainder at Bronkhorstspruit Dam.
==Exhibitions==
Smit's work has been showcased extensively in a variety of exhibitions since 1971, both locally and internationally. Some of his key exhibitions include:
* 1971: First prize, National Bible Year Competition
* 1976: Exhibition, Etno-Africa Gallery, Pretoria
* 1979: Exhibitions in Witrivier, Nelspruit and Cape Town
* 1980: Beuster-Skolimowski Gallery, Pretoria
* 1986: Everard Read Gallery, Johannesburg
* 1991: Exhibitions in Rome and Milan
* 1993: One-man Exhibition, Sweeguan Art Gallery, Singapore
* 1994: One-man Exhibition, Omni Gallery, New York
* 2003: Established the Anton Smit Sculpture Park – Bronkhorstspruit Dam
* 2010: “Facets” Exhibition, Anton Smit Sculpture Park & Gallery
* 2016: “Colossal” – 40 piece exhibition – Australian Bronze – Australia
* 2017: Stellenbosch Public Sculpture Exhibition
* 2019: Colossal Exhibition – Genk – Belgium
* 2021: Launched Century City Open Air Exhibition a 30-piece collection of Sculptures spread out in public spaces around the Century City precinct – Western Cape
* 2022: Colossal – Solo exhibition – 25 Monumental pieces – Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton, Jhb
* 2023: “Landscape of the Soul” subway Faces 33m wall panel – Century City
==Impact and Legacy==
Anton Smit's sculptures have left a significant imprint in the world of art. His unique approach to capturing the human experience in physical form has inspired many, and his works continue to be celebrated in exhibitions and collections globally.
Category:1954 births
Category:People from Boksburg
Category:South African people
Category:Sculptors