Twenty years into a new democracy and almost a year since the passing of global icon Nelson Mandela, Capetonians and visitors to the city are being encouraged to express their hope for the country’s future with the unveiling of a dramatic sculpture, which will stand as a reminder of South Africa’s greatest story and a shining symbol of hope for the future.
The 24-metre high sun-shaped sculpture, “SunStar”, was unveiled this evening on Signal Hill in Cape Town. The sculpture was conceptualised and designed by Cape Town artist and founder of the Robben Island Art Company and Trust (RIACT), Christopher Swift, and is also a showcase project for Cape Town: Design Capital of the World 2014.
The SunStar is a temporary art installation and will stand on top of Cape Town’s Signal Hill. It was constructed in large part from the steel from the original fence that once surrounded Robben Island. Sun International, sponsors of the project, said that this critical component of the sculpture showed how the ultimate symbol of Apartheid has been transformed into an inspiring piece of art that stands as an invitation to the world to share their hope for the future of South Africa.
“The SunStar is an emblematic of and a visual reminder to South Africans of how far the country has come since our first democratic elections, but also of the journey yet to come,” said Sun International Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer Rob Collins.
The site for the SunStar sculpture was chosen for its impressive views over the city and to enable locals and tourists easy access.
Swift’s design takes the environment and sustainability into account. The sculpture features a solar powered light system made up of low-power LED strip-lighting and flood light support which will light up the sculpture at night. In daylight and after dark, the sculpture is clearly visible from the air and visitors flying into Cape Town will be treated to aerial views of the installation as they come in to land.
The project is likely to have a positive impact for tourism in Cape Town with the SunStar being an added draw-card to Signal Hill for local and international tourists alike. Signal Hill is already a well-visited spot by tourists, but the addition of the SunStar will add a new dimension to something many have experienced previously.
Sun International, www.suninternational.com