A 24-metre high art installation has been installed on Cape Town’s Signal Hill as a symbol of hope for the future.
SunStar was conceptualised and designed by Cape Town artist, Christopher Swift, who used fencing from Nelson Mandela’s former prison colony, Robben Island, to construct the piece.
The temporary installation represents 20 years of South Africa’s new democratic movement and is designed to encourage both Capetonians and visitors to be hopeful for the nation’s future.
The project was sponsored by hotel and entertainment group Sun International. The firm said it backed the project because the prison fencing, once the ultimate symbol of Apartheid, had been transformed into “an inspiring piece of art that stands as an invitation to the world to share their hope for the future of South Africa”.
“The SunStar is an emblematic of and a visual reminder to South Africans of how far the country has come since our first democratic elections, but also of the journey yet to come,” said Rob Collins, Sun International’s chief marketing and strategy officer.
“The SunStar project is closely aligned to our commitment to community, environment and sustainability and we are very pleased to be associated with its symbolism and message,” he added.
Swift’s sculpture features a solar powered light system made up of low-power LED strip-lighting and flood light support which will light up the sculpture at night. Day and night, the sculpture is clearly visible from the air and visitors flying into Cape Town will be treated to aerial views of the installation as they descend upon Cape Town International Airport.