Stellenbosch sculptures vandalised

Stellenbosch – Vandals have damaged artworks that make up part of the 20Stellenbosch exhibition.

Some pieces had to be removed in order to be repaired.

Dylan Lewis' Male Trans-Figure 1 was defaced with varnish where it was being exhibited on the square in front of Stellenbosch University's JS Gericke Library.

A cement figure by Anton Karstel that was being exhibited in the Pumpkin Hut in front of the Conservatorium was broken into pieces.

Barend de Wet's word sculpture that spells out the Afrikaans words Ja-Nee in front of the Stellenbosch town hall was bent out of shape by vandals.

The exhibition's project manager Andi Norton said: "It's as if someone wanted to steal Ja-Nee but were chased away by security before they could manage it."

She explained that the colourful word sculpture had to be removed to be repaired at the artist's studio. Other parts of the art work remains intact.

'What a shame'

Another work by artist Rina Stutzer titled Die Opbou van Afbreek that was on show on the lawn in front of municipal buildings in Ryneveld street, was also targeted.

The sculpture depicts a map of Africa shaped from an old Jurgens caravan.

"The piece is anchored deep in the ground. There had to be quite a number of people working together to knock it over," said Norton.

"We wanted to establish Stellenbosch as a place where anyone could have access to art and sculptures. What a shame that a couple of vandals are ruining the experience for everyone."