Shielded Man

Shielded Man by the South African artist, Anton Smit (b. 1954) portrays a sentinel whose work is to guard the community. This sculpture forms part of the body of work, Burghers of Khayelitsha by Smit. Short biography: Anton Smit was born in Boksburg, South Africa in 1954. Smit won his first sculpting competition at the age of sixteen. In 1979, he won the renowned South African Association of Art's New Signature competition. Many of Smit's large scale works are on public exhibition throughout major cities such as Pretoria, at Menlyn Maine Central Square, Centurion Mall and other public art exhibitions in the Western Cape and internationally in Belgium. The University of Pretoria has several of his works. Smit's art gallery and sculpture park is located for as public exhibition near Pretoria in Bronkhorstspruit. Smits subject matter features collections ranging from male and female forms and heads, masks, faith, speed figures, shield figures, facets to abstract and classic forms.