Solo Exhibition by Anton Smit
One of the Largest Sculpture Parks in Europe by a Single Artist
“Man himself then is mouthpiece, medium and meaning all in one, and his challenge as an artist is to create himself over and over again, finding new connotations and new concepts in given shapes, figures and faces.
Man emulates and assimilates nature, producing poetry in word and form.”
About the Exhibition at Leonardslee Gardens
‘The Walk of Life tells a story that takes the visitor on a journey of self-discovery.’ An extensive outdoor exhibition of Anton Smit’s contemporary sculpture and life works created over a period of almost fifty years. On display for the first time in the UK, this ambitious exhibition of over eighty individual sculptures features significant pieces from Smit’s practice that represent different eras of the artist’s life, all of which are for sale.
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Our Story
Our story spans two continents and brings together the beautiful Grade I Listed English gardens located in West Sussex and the love of art, poetry and sculpture of renowned South African artist, Anton Smit.
The collaboration between Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens and Anton Smit began in late 2019 and flows from a long-standing professional relationship between Smit and Leonardslee owner, Penny Streeter.
The unique woodland gardens breathe life into the sculptures for art lovers, visitors and collectors alike to enjoy as a journey, an exhibition titled, ‘The Walk of Life’.
One of the largest sculpture parks in Europe by a single artist, the exhibition comprises over eighty individual, monumental works made from bronze, resin and steel, thoughtfully placed in harmony with the gardens, creating new vistas across the valley and our seven lakes. Including a selection of Smit’s signature colossal heads, human figures and masks, the showcase allows visitors to experience the artist’s extraordinary practice in the stunning setting of Leonardslee.
A poet as well as an artist, he offers further meaning to the works with verse of his own and others, including Thomas Hardy and William Carlos Williams, which are featured alongside the sculptures.