South African sculptor, poet, and philanthropist
With his monumental works, Smit has made a name for himself worldwide, not only in the art world. His works hover between naturalism and abstraction and stir the souls of viewers. He demonstrates an incomparable and impressive mastery of the wide variety of materials he uses to create his sculptures. Smit believes that “humans imitate and assimilate nature, giving rise to poetry in word and form.” The emotional echoes of his texts and the sounds of sculpting are a common feature in his studio. His poetry often addresses profound themes such as suffering and eternity, and he says:
“When you catch a fleeting glimpse of eternity, it takes your breath away. Weightless—falling into the remnants of love.”
Email: info@antonsmit.co.za
https://www.antonsmit.co.za
Biography
Smit was born in 1954 in Bergbaustadt, South Africa. His artistic talent became apparent at a young age. By the age of sixteen, he had already won a sculpture competition. Smit is self-taught and has no formal academic training
Starting in the 1970s, Smit began presenting his works to the public. In 1980, his first solo exhibition took place in Pretoria, followed by numerous international exhibitions, including in Rome, New York, and Singapore, which brought him worldwide fame. His symbolic works were also on display at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration.
What are the themes, style, and materials of his work?
His work centers on the human being and questions surrounding human existence, joy, pain, and interpersonal relationships.
His monumental heads and bodies appear powerful yet vulnerable at the same time. The faces of his figures reflect a powerful yet vulnerable engagement with all the dangers and joys of human existence.
Smit works with a wide variety of materials, including steel, bronze, stone, fiberglass, and others.
His unique talent lies in his ability to breathe life and depth into even the hardest materials and imbue them with a human dynamism.
Selection from Anton Smit’s exhibitions since 1970
1976 Etno Africa Gallery, Pretoria
1985 Michaelatos Gallery, The Joffa Collection, L.A.
1991 Exhibition in Rome and Milan
1994 Bonn, Germany
1998 Solo exhibition, Artfolio Gallery, Singapore
2001 Exhibition in Hamburg
2016 Colossal, Australia Bronze, Sydney
2019 Ferrari Fine Arts Exhibition, Johannesburg
2020 New Futurism, Uitstalling Gallery, Genk, Belgium
2020 Sculpture Exhibition, Erinvale Golf Course
2022 Contemporary South Africa, Thompson’s Gallery, UK
Sculpture Exhibition at Erinvale Golf Course, SA, 2020
The open-air exhibition of large-scale, diverse sculptures on the grounds of the Erinvale Golf Club in Somerset West, South Africa, was both unusual and magnificent. The exhibition brought together two worlds that, at first glance, seemed quite different. Golf courses are typically expansive, carefully designed landscapes featuring manicured lawns, clusters of trees, water hazards, and changes in elevation. Yet this unique setting proved to be the ideal stage for sculptures. Here, in the open air, the large-scale artworks engaged in a remarkable dialogue with light, weather, the seasons, and varying perspectives. The viewpoints of the artworks were constantly changing, depending on where the golfer or visitor happened to be at any given moment. This created a dynamic perception of the art that continually reshaped itself over the course of a walk. The sculptures were repeatedly viewed from different distances and perspectives—sometimes in passing, sometimes with deliberate attention. This form of “scattered attention” differs significantly from the traditional art experience and can lead to a more intense engagement precisely because it is repeated. This exhibition of Anton Smit’s sculptures positioned the golf course itself not only as a sporting venue but also as a cultural one. The combination of sports and art was an effective means of generating new momentum.
The metal objects created a fascinating contrast to the organic natural surroundings
From a curatorial perspective, this project was very challenging. The selection and placement of the sculptures had to meet both artistic and practical requirements.
A sculpture exhibition at Erinvale combined aesthetic, social, and cultural aspects and opened up new ways of experiencing art.
The exhibition at the Erinvale Golf Course demonstrated that art is not confined to traditional spaces but can emerge and have an impact wherever people are open to embracing new perspectives.
ARTIST, POET, PHILANTHROPIST
Anton Smit is not only an artist and sculptor, but also a poet and philanthropist. He is known for embodying poetry, a term aptly derived from the ancient word for “making.” Smit believes that “humans imitate and assimilate nature, giving rise to poetry in word and form.” The emotional resonance of his texts and the sounds of sculpting are a common feature of his studio.
The elegant lines of the human form in his works reflect the artist’s quest to uncover the fundamental nature of human creation through divine meditation. His poetry often explores profound themes such as the self, suffering, and eternity, and he writes: “When you catch a fleeting glimpse of eternity, it takes your breath away. Weightless—falling into the remnants of love.”
Social Responsibility and Community Involvement
Both Anton and Roelien Smit are deeply committed to social responsibility and believe in the future of South African children. They support the idea that it takes an entire community to provide positive care for children so that they can grow up in a safer, healthier environment.
Ubuhle Christian School: They are deeply involved with Ubuhle Christian School.
Funding Through Art: 10% of the proceeds from the sale of sculptures are donated to Ubuhle Christian School.
Educational Support: They support education and provide funds to supply food to children from disadvantaged communities.
Other Organizations Supported: Anton and Roelien also support organizations such as the Mad Foundation, Lunchbox Foundation, Cape Wine Auction, Cancer Association, and others.
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