Pitika Ntuli unveils his 19 ton sculpture at Melrose Arch
MELROSE ARCH – The Quantum People statue is unveiled in celebration of Steve Biko's life.
Crowds gathered at Melrose Arch to watch as acclaimed South African sculptor and poet Pitika Ntuli unveiled his 19-ton Quantum People sculpture made out of granite and metal chains inspired by the African Union’s Agenda for 2063.
The unveiling of the sculpture deliberately coincided with the anniversary of Steve Biko’s death.
Ntuli explained that he was inspired to look at the current situation on the continent and see what he could do to make the African Union agenda a reality.
At the unveiling of the sculpture, Ntuli explained that it took four years to create with the help of young people who came into the studio knowing little about art before the project.
“I chose to make it from granite because it is part of the soil of our land… We chose to unveil it on the anniversary of Steve Biko’s life as he paid with his life for a united Africa. I am excited to see the cross-section of people across the rainbow nation gathered for the unveiling,” he said.
The iconic sculpture depicts the struggle of Africa and African people to reconstruct and reshape the continent.
The unveiling formed part of the second annual SculptX exhibition hosted by The Melrose Gallery. Director of the gallery Craig Mark said that SculptX is the largest exhibition of sculptural works in South Africa.
“The exhibition forms a platform for young, emerging artists at the cutting edge alongside many established artists from across the country. The event forms a celebration of African creativity to remember Steve Biko,” said Mark, adding that the exhibition consists of over 150 works made from materials including toothpicks, metal, crystal, plastic, bronze and wood.
Guests proceeded to The Melrose Gallery following the unveiling of the sculpture where an exciting cultural programme of poetry, dance and music was performed in celebration of Africa, the artwork and Biko’s life. Artists included renowned poet Don Mattera and singers Blondie Makhene and Hotstix Mabuse to name a few.
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