Famous sculptor adds class to University of Pretoria community garden

The work never stops at the Moja Gabedi community garden in Hatfield.

In an effort to create positive relations with the community, the University of Pretoria (UP) has completed yet another community project at the garden.

Internationally renowned South African artist and sculptor Angus Taylor, is the genius behind the two new massive sculptures that sit in the Moja Gabedi garden.

The first one is made out of rock and the other of compacted soil. Taylor’s inspiration came from a young man he knew personally.

After he visited the garden in 2020, Taylor decided to participate in community work.

“South Africa is my home and this is the place where I want to give back to the community.”

Taylor uses natural material for his sculptures, including granite, orange soil and red jasper which is a mineral stone known for it its healing qualities.

This fits in with the serene and calm nature that the garden provides to the community.

“I use abundant materials. They have no commercial value, they also reflect the diversity of our geology and the diversity of our people,” said Taylor.

Taylor talks about how difficult his work is but rewarding as well.

“It is hard, intense work,” he said, “it is a whole body and brain experience.”

Members of the community and students from UP volunteered to help complete the project. The students helped to plant cycads and work 17 tonnes of soil into the earth.

“We are young and it is good to be part of a culture of giving back,” said Ruben Grobler, a mechanical engineering student.

Students were excited to join in the project and get to work with Taylor.

The sculptor also invited those who helped with the project to visit his studio. Grobler and other students described it as an unforgettable experience.

With the help of community members as well as the students, these two sculptures are now complete.

The next venture for the Moja Gabedi community garden is to construct a small teahouse.