Take A Walk On The Strand Side - Strandloper Promenade Sculpture Walk
Category Area and Lifestyle
Did traffic get your head in a spin, again? Tired of practicing to see in the dark when the lights go off? Going a bit too nutty about nuts? Battling to make the hairdresser understand it's a whirl not a curl with the added pressure of colour or letting your true grey hair shine through? Hashtag identity crisis. Am I talking to a real person or is it a robot? Do they have feelings? We're heading to Mars!
We here in the Helderberg have the perfect escape for you; something educational, soul-inspiring, and all uniquely by the beautiful ocean. The beach doesn't care how much you weigh, in what car you drive, or what the 'he said' about the 'she did'. It only beckons sandcastles to be built, memories to be made and waves to be surfed. Let us blow your hair back for all the right reasons. Yes, in the immortal words of Lou Reed," Let's take a walk on the wild side" or in our case, "the Strand side".
For as it stands, this time, babe, you're in for a treat as cultural enthusiasts combined their passion and vision for uplifting our area in conjunction with the City Of Cape Town with the works of extremely talented artists. We bring you a walk along Strand Beach Road like never before.
"The Strandloper", as the project has been titled, has successfully executed nine thought-provoking and breathtaking sculptures. Perhaps soul food just really is the best food.
Let's take that walk (drum roll).
1. First up introducing to you Janko De Beer's, "Sanctified". This sculpture forms part of a series titled "Equus". De Beer horse themed series is based on the mythical relationship between human and horses. He focuses on legend, myth, conflict, and pleasure - encapsulating the role horses have played in the evolution of civilisation. The natural shapes and textures of dried-out bull kelp collected from various beaches around South Africa inspire the work. It is no wonder that SA Creative Network Magazine had this to say about him; "As an artist his sculptures are unique, outspoken, and not easily forgotten."
He lives in Somerset West with his wife and two children. He loves the ocean, the mountains and the bush and spends a lot of time outdoors, hiking and surfing. Recently a second-time finalist for a Global Art Award, Janko's work has featured in many solo and group exhibitions, and he has established a substantial international following.
2. Enjoying the ocean breeze yet? Have a look at the bronze sculpture by Louis Chanu titled "Mother Nature". The sculpture shows a lady holding an arc of butterflies.
Louis uses patterns in nature as inspiration for his work. He lives in the Strand and has his studio in the picturesque Elgin Valley, overlooking the Hottentots mountains. The artist also has a passion for flying and highlights on his website how this has made him realise, "how insignificant we are; and how powerful nature is." He has exhibited both locally and internationally; from a career which has spanned 30 years.
3. Then before you put up the "gone fishing" sign don't forget to notice, "The Diver" created by an artist from Paarl, Nanette Ranger. This sculpture deals with plastic pollution in our oceans, showing a woman standing on a pile of pollution while nurturing the last Coelacanth. This piece does make me pose the question; everybody sure does want a piece of the land but is everybody prepared to look after it?
Nanette's work seeks to explore and reflect upon the metaphysical power gained from a personal immersion in the natural world. It considers the duality of this connection and the possibility it offers for reconnecting with an intrinsic self. Since 1987 Nanette has consistently exhibited and curated exhibitions throughout South Africa. Her work has been taken up into private and public collections in South Africa and abroad.
4. From the movement "Wired Different" to empower the unemployed comes, "Tree Of Life" by Niel Mopp. This sculpture was created in galvanized and brass wire and brought to life in 3000 hours and forms part of a powerful movement to raise funds and to create jobs.
5. Still walking? Then perhaps a chance to ponder this piece called, "Aphrodite" by Gerhard van Eck. Gerhard is from Paarl and his work is known for its ability to capture inherent emotion and energy. His primary focus is on the human anatomical balance and incorporating architectural, and structural elements and designs.
6. "Life is a journey we must partake in with open arms" - these are the words by Stavros Georgiades. His sculpture titled, "Whisper" illuminates Beach Road with its bold design. A Cape Town based artist which describes his work further on his website; "Life is rich in varied experiences. I approach my work with a perspective that considers man's response and actions. I don't set out to produce works about a set subject, it develops as the work evolves. My style and technique are broad and flexible."
7. Another local artist who is one of South Africa's most prolific and exalted artists, Lionel Smit, adorns the walk with a sculpture called, "Assemble". He is well known for his contemporary portraiture expressed through large paintings, sculptures and further through a mixture of media.
Lionel's studio is located within walking distance of Strand Beach Road - in the Paardevlei Precinct of Somerset West.
8. The South-African artist Anton Smit whose work according to his website evoke, " themes of suffering, reconciliation, glory and sublimation." His works grace public and private collections countrywide and internationally. On Strand Beach Road you can have a look and experience his sculpture namely, "Voelvry" against the backdrop of the ocean and looking far ahead to where one can see Table Mountain and Cape Point, this sculpture stands as a true extra visual highlight almost blending into the natural splendour of the landscape. "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode (rested) upon him. " - Anton Smit | John 1:32
Anton spends and works the first three months of the year in his Cape studios in Strand and for the rest of the year in his studios at Bronkhorstspruit Dam, where he oversees a dedicated work force of 16 people.
9. Then just before you buy an ice-cream, we are looking at a sculpture called "Wind Girl" by another accomplished Helderberg artist, Vincent Da Silva, who captivates both a local and an international audience. As said on his website,
"His sculptures dance with fluidity, evoking a sense of perpetual motion frozen in time. His creations stand as eloquent expressions of the vitality inherent in both art and the human experience."
A huge thank you to the talented artists showcasing their work and enhancing and transforming the Strand's beach area. Pablo Picasso's words ring true here, "Everything you can imagine is real".
So, hey honey, for true soul food, which is sometimes the best food, take a Strandloper walk on the Strand side.
CCH (Cape Coastal Homes) is proud to stand as one of the sponsors of this project with Future Strand, MLV Attorneys, Strand Bid, Shopping Centre Design, STBB Attorneys and the City Of Cape Town.
Author Klara Schoeman-Wiese
Published 17 Jan 2024 / Views -