Nelson Mandela Square unveils immersive art exhibition,a collaboration Between Nelson Mandela Square, Anton Smit, “Mars” and the Artyli Gallery
26 July 2023

URBAN ECHOES ART EXHIBITION ON THE SQUARE

Beloved retail and dining hotspot Nelson Mandela Square, is enticing art enthusiasts with yet another reason to visit the popular piazza. A new art exhibition titled Urban Echoes has been unveiled in the Square, immersing visitors in a captivating fusion of emblematic sculptures, vibrant colour, and captivating artistic expressions. Crafted by world-renowned sculptor, Anton Smit, in collaboration with graffiti artist George Kalapov “Mars”, and Artyli Gallery, it’s a first for Johannesburg and the county.

Imagine a juxtaposition of eight large heads, each three meters tall, transformed into a street art- inspired painting. Each viewpoint alters the individually painted heads, which resembles Johannesburg’s urban fabric and changes the sculptures into a painted landscape. When viewed as a collective, the completed collection resembles a large mural depicting “Life in Jo’burg,” in a way never seen before. “The idea for this artwork originated many years ago with my fascination with the Easter Island heads. The heads are at first monolithic stone heads – a modern version of the Easter Island heads, like messengers from a forgotten past. Then, they take a quantum leap into the future by being transformed into street art with cool contemporary faces painted on them, giving them a brand-new identity relating to the city and city life. An urban landscape of the City of Gold – proclaiming a message to the future – one of enhanced creativity and freedom. A message of life in abundance, a message of inspired children who enter boldly into this world” said Anton Smit.

The Urban Echoes collection complements the Colossal exhibition, Smit’s collection of mesmerising pieces that transformed the Square into an open-air gallery with over twenty sculptures, last year, most of which are still on exhibit.

Nelson Mandela Square is home to over 70 exclusive retail outlets and restaurants, many of which are unique in the country. Whether you’re in the mood for a good South African steak, the most generous Greek platters, the best local or French wine, real Mediterranean cuisine, or leisurely cups of creamy Italian coffee, you will find it at Nelson Mandela Square.

"We're delighted to host the Urban Echoes Exhibition at Nelson Mandela Square," shares Brian Unsted, Nelson Mandela Square's Asset Manager. "Anton Smit and Mars's remarkable collaboration brings elegance and sophistication, complementing the Square’s splendid ambiance," he added.
The Urban Echoes exhibition at Nelson Mandela Square, in collaboration with Artyli, will be available to view into 2024. There is no charge to view the exhibition.

*Exhibition dates and details are subject to change.

For more information on the Sculptures, kindly contact Artyli on 078 648 8221 or enquiries@artyli.com or visit the gallery at Nelson Mandela Square. For more information on Nelson Mandela Square, kindly contact Lana Maree-Arendse Lana.Maree-Arendse@epsgroup.co.za or visit www.nelsonmandelasquare.co.za.

ABOUT NELSON MANDELA SQUARE:
Located in the heart of the Sandton CBD, Nelson Mandela Square is an open-air square, anchored by a majestic six metre statue of Nelson Mandela. This makes for a popular attraction for both local and international visitors. Nelson Mandela Square is one of Africa’s most vibrant dining, lifestyle and retail destinations.

Although boasting some of the most esteemed dining options in the country, the Square also offers a retail sector with over 60 exclusive and celebrated stores. The Square infuses local heritage with international flavour and celebrates Afro-cosmopolitan style.

Nelson Mandela Square is an African treasure and is owned by Liberty Group Limited and Liberty Two Degrees, and is managed by one of the country’s top commercial property services, JHI Retail. Nelson Mandela Square boasts a 5* Green Star Existing Building Performance rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa.
For more information please visit either www.nelsonmandelasquare.co.za, www.liberty2degrees.co.za, or www.jhi.co.za.