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KNYSNA NEWS - Following months of hard work, planning and preparations, a towering 2,2m likeness of Hailie Selassie now stands proud on the mount at Judah Square - home to the biggest community of Rastafarians in Southern Africa.

Looking out over the township of Khayalethu, powerful hands locked in a diamond-shape gesture - the traditional Rastafari symbol of the Seal of Solomon the statue will welcome visitors from far and wide.

The sculpture is the fourth in a series of new interactive public artworks being installed in iconic locations around greater Knysna as part of the #knysnaartproject, which kicked off in 2020.

Role player sentiments

Knysna Mayor Levael Davis unveiled the statue on Wednesday 23 February. He described the project as one of the most exciting initiatives the town has ever seen.

"This sculpture stands as an example to the citizens and communities of greater Knysna of what can be achieved when we come together in our efforts to reach a shared goal," he said.

"The past two years have wreaked havoc on the tourism sector and initiatives such as this will play a crucial role in helping Knysna to stand apart and alone as a destination amidst the online clutter of post-Covid travel and tourism communications."

PHOTO GALLERY: New statue unveiled in Knysna

Rastafari elder Brother Maxi described the project as a great gift. "We are hopeful for what this project will do for our community as a whole. We want visitors to know about Judah Square, to want to come here, stay here, eat here, spend time with us, and learn about our lifestyle and beliefs."

General manager of Visit Knysna Colleen Durant explained that the #knysnaartproject project was conceived as a way to showcase Knysna as a destination that warrants further exploration.

"Beautiful interactive works by local artists placed at some of Knysna's most beautiful locations will ensure that we, as a destination, continue to reverberate around the world," she said.

The Knysna Art Society is the creative force that's helping make it all happen. "The project is just the sort of initiative we needed to put Knysna back on the art and culture map," said chairperson Helena Gerber.

"The community of artists is still huge, but the world doesn't seem to know we're all here anymore."

The Knysna Art Society is also working with Visit Knysna to formalise an art route that will link installations, galleries, studios, artists and crafters from Knysna to art enthusiasts and genuine buyers.

The sculptor

Rasta Eugene Lewis, the artist behind the sculpture, is grateful for his participation in the project. "Through the #knysnaartproject I have been living my higher heights," he said - a Rastafarian expression for complete happiness.

Clay has always been Eugene's medium of choice. Making the statue at Judah Square was not only his first experience of sculpting cement, but it was also the first time that Eugene has created anything close to this size.

The challenge to upscale his miniatures into a 2,2-metre statue would have been difficult to achieve without the help of established SA artist and sculptor Suzanne du Toit.

His process

Eugene had to use unfamiliar and challenging materials and techniques in constructing the statue. "Suzanne helped me throughout the process. First, she introduced me to David Steel who helped with welding an inner structure out of steel which was then galvanised and covered in chicken wire," he said.

"This was filled with lightweight polyurethane to cut down on the amount of cement used for the body and ultimately on the total weight of the sculpture. Tivan van Dyk was then called on to help with the moulding and shaping."

Du Toit explained the differences between Lewis' piece and more traditional sculptures. "Lifelike sculptures are seldom painted, but colour is an important characteristic of the Rastafari culture and people -

red, green and gold are synonymous with the Rastafarians and white robes are symbolic in religious ceremonies," she said.

"In this context, Eugene's concept of a full-colour sculpture just seemed right."

Artist Eugene Lewis removes the cloth cover from the statue while Knysna Mayor Levael Davis applauds. Photo: Blake Linder

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