(“Looking to the
Future” – part of John Meyer’s artwork series, “Mandela: A Life’s Journey, a
collection of numbered signed prints owned by Andrew Dunn)
In hour of Nelson Mandela’s centenary year, the Hilton Arts
Festival which runs at the Hilton College grounds, from September 14 to 16 will
have a special Madiba focus artistically affirming the attributes he
personified.
From art-work to theatre, blankets to installations and
massive public art sculptures – the Hilton Arts Festival will proudly pay
tribute to Nelson Mandela.
Two massive outdoor exhibitions will take place, the first
being the thought provoking THINK bench encouraging patrons to think
differently. Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) commissioned self-taught, sculptor artist
Louis Olivier, who regularly works with the renowned William Kentridge, to create
a series of art works that are both functional and attractive. The massive
structure spans 14m, and is one of a series of Benches which adorn public
places – in this large scale project that has been underway for some years.
Oliver was commissioned by RMB through its art curator, Teresa Lizamore, to
create a pair of contemporary bookends inspired by Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker, This evolved into the
benches – a larger scale version of the book-end concept. RMB THINK Bench spells ‘THINK’ from one side and
from another appears to be life-size figures interacting at different angles.
The second will be based outside the Chapel:
T.O.L.E.R.A.N.C.E is a monumental public art sculpture consisting of nine
letters in bronze. International artist Guy Ferrer – who is French of
Mediterranean origin - created this artwork as an ode to tolerance, depicting
Priests, Wise Men and Pilgrims entwined in the letters which suggests a
religion, belief or spirituality. His starting point was a quote by the Dalai
Lama: "It is not of importance that one be a believer or not: what is important is to be Tolerant.”
In Buzz Room 3, a collection of John Meyer’s artworks Mandela: A Life’s Journey will be on
display. The collection of numbered signed prints, owned by Andrew Dunn, is on
permanent loan to Hilton College and will be curated, thanks to The Everard
Read Gallery and the Tatham Gallery for members of the public to appreciate.
The 16 prints need to be viewed in sequence and follow the story of Madiba’s
life.
Making its second appearance at the festival, featuring in
Buzz Room 1, is the wonderful participative initiative, 67 Blankets for
Mandela. The ‘Knitting Revolution for Nelson Mandela’ sparked Knitwits from
around the globe to contribute and create blankets and scarves for the
thousands of less fortunate during winter. They have recently broken the
Guinness Book of Records record for the world’s longest scarf, measuring in at
over 29 km.
(Burton Naidoo)
Inspired by the life and character of Nelson Mandela,
pianist, composer, arranger, Burton Naidoo has transcribed some of Mandela's'
most iconic speeches. The concert, entitled Our
Song, includes the words of the speeches harmonised in the effort to create
a musical backdrop to these important pieces. Burton has also written new
compositions to compliment the performance. Written for solo piano and track,
the audience can expect speeches from the Rivonia Trial, praise singing from
Sthembile Mlangeni and Zolani Mkhiva at the inauguration, as well as FW De Klerk's
announcement to free Nelson Mandela at Parliament, 1990. Prolific composer,
Burton Naidoo has performed throughout the world and continues to push the
boundaries of his musical imagination. This concert is scheduled for September 15
at 14h00.
The festival would not be possible without the generous
support of Hilton College, Grindrod Bank, Black Coffee Design, DWR
Distribution, Extreme Events, Bidvest Car Rental, KZN Dept of Arts &
Culture, Redlands Hotel, Assitej South Africa, Loud Crowd, Sappi, BASA, and
Corona.
Follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. All details on
www.hiltonfestival.co.za and enquiries on 033 383 0127. Bookings are open on
line and the full programme is on the festival website.
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