The latest addition to Stellenbosch’s growing portfolio of urban art serves as a platform for people to “engage in thought, to sit and think”.
This is according to renowned sculpture artist Louis Olivier, who designed the Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) Think Bench alongside the Workhorse Bronze Foundry Team. The RMB Think Bench is located in front of the Stellenbosch University’s (SU) faculty of engineering.
Exposing art students to in-person engagement with art projects is a vital part of growing the artistic profession. This is according to Workhorse Bronze Foundry artist and founder, Louis Olivier. “It’s a great way of connecting with new talent and to keep relevant.” PHOTO: Kara Olivier
The 13 m-long public sculpture work is the third instalment in an ongoing collaboration between RMB and the Workhorse Bronze Foundry, according to Olivier. Versions of the sculpture are located on the University of Pretoria’s Hatfield Campus and in the Merchant Place courtyard in Johannesburg.
“RMB’s objective [is] to support both the arts and education showcasing their support for innovative thinking”, stated Olivier.
The bench was commissioned and donated to SU in 2020 by South African businessman and SU alumnus, GT Ferreira, stated Olivier. After the project timeline was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the final concrete version was unveiled by SU recently, according to Olivier. Projects like this bench support the backbone of the creative industry by creating opportunities to work, he stated.
Multisensory placemaking
The impact of public works of art like the RMB Think Bench is not always obvious but is well researched, according to Andy Norton, project director and trustee of the Stellenbosch Outdoor Sculpture Trust.
“Placing a work of public art in an open [urban] setting is part of what is called placemaking,” said Norton. Placemaking is a design approach that capitalises on a community’s specific assets and potential with the intention of creating public spaces that promote synergy and holistic well-being.
Public art can be defined as, “any art where the form, function and meaning is created for the general public”. This is according to Andy Norton, project director and trustee of the Stellenbosch Outdoor Sculpture Trust. ‘The View’ (left) by Jean Theron Louw, ‘Old Mac’ (centre) by Madge and George Lang and ‘Swan Diver’ (right) by Lydia Da Silva are a few of the public artworks that feature in the streets of Stellenbosch. PHOTOS: Kara Olivier
“Public art engages the senses of sight and touch, and activates dialogue and debate amongst visitors who are experiencing it,” said Norton. Successful urban spaces should have at least ten multisensory elements that the public can engage with, she explained.
Fostering accessibility and diversity
“Art is a mirror to society at a particular time in history, and having as many reflections as possible gives a broader perspective,” stated Norton, who spoke about the importance of having public art from a variety of artists in Stellenbosch.
Adding a functional aspect to an artwork creates an added layer of interest, according to Louis Olivier, Workhorse Bronze Foundry sculpture artist. “It is through the interest that we invite the viewer to experience the work. By sitting on it you become part of it.” PHOTO: Kara Olivier
“Most people in [South Africa] have very little access to art,” said Norton, who explained that art housed in galleries or museums can seem intimidating or inaccessible to the public. “Bringing art to the streets and to public spaces encourages critical thinking and creativity, two of the most essential skills for the 21st century.”
“I like the fact that it has two purposes. It looks cool and it’s functional,” said Johnathan Donald, a first-year computer science student at SU. Students interact and socialise on and around the RMB Think Bench before tests or class, he said.
MatieMedia reached out to Stellenbosch University, but they were unavailable for comment by the time of publication.