Last week, we saw gorgeous stoic faces in the form of giant sculptures held up in solidarity for South Africa alongside Proudly South African banners.
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Seeing them was goose-bump-inducing. There was a silence about the art that spoke volumes. The faces were different, their patterns and aesthetics unique to each sculpture. However, what they did say, via their silenced lips, was that as different as we all are, when we stand together in our diversity, we are the most beautiful.
This is Capetonian sculptor, Marco Olivier’s message in speaking to Cape {town} Etc’s Ashleigh Nefdt. The inspiration was derived from the need to stand together during the unrest in our country, and focusing on the responsibility of individuals beyond government strategies. For Olivier, it’s every South African’s job to do what they can with where they are in their respective sectors and industries in order to rebuild SA.
“The thought pattern behind it was that I wanted to initiate the fact that each one of us was created differently by God. And being different is awesome because we all carry a different skillset. We are at the stage in South Africa where it’s going to require all of those colours,” Olivier says passionately.
“All of those differences and all of those skillsets to pull us out of the fire. It’s no longer the responsibility of the government or the president to carry this entire load. They might be behind a lot of of the decisions, and some of them not so positive, but the reality is that all of us can make a difference, it doesn’t matter in what sector we work.
“To use an example, I’m an artist, and this is what I felt I needed to do to make a difference. We all have that choice. To go further and beyond what is required of us. To give people around us service, hope, joy. Joy breeds joy, we need to put more joy out there.
“If we all go out and make a difference in our sectors, the job will be done.
“It can be sustainable. If I make a difference and everybody around me makes a difference, then it’s a job done.”
Olivier’s works are jaw-dropping, and now knowing the powerful and passionate mind behind them, makes them even more of a treasure.
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You can follow his work on Instagram: @marco_olivier_sculptures
Picture: Woodstock Art Gallery