R12,000 - R16,000
Guy du Toit (South African 1958 - ) MRS PLES
bronze
height: 13,5cm
PROVENANCE
Authenticated by the artist
Despite the lack of seriousness in much of the artist’s subject matter, Guy du Toit is seen as one of South Africa’s most successful and recognised sculptors. The artist often depicts arbitrary objects or universal symbols which are seemingly light-hearted or lack deep meaning, but are in fact layered in subtle connotations which resonate through small details. This allows the viewer to invent their own dialogue and attribute meaning as they see fit. The work on our June sale is a portrayal of Mrs Ples of Sterkfontien, the most complete Australopithecus fossil, which is now housed in the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History in Pretoria. Du Toit’s sculptures of objects or animals often possess human qualities, using this as a point of engagement for the viewer to identify with, and eventually reflect on. The skull of Mrs Ples imbues ambiguity as it represents death, but also, the start of human life; it depicts a historical specimen, but is also a familiar person, particularly in that the fossil is named, and in this way, the meaning is left wide open. The artist’s works continue to be supported by major private and public collections both locally and internationally. -AC
Prince Albert Gallery, Guy du Toit, Accessed 11 May, 2021. https://www.princealbertgallery.co.za/artist/guy-du-toit/
Everard Read, Guy du Toit, Accessed 11 May, 2021. https://www.everardlondon.com/artist/GUY_DU%20TOIT/biography/
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