Release

This maquette is what is sometimes termed an ‘EXPLODED VIEW’ sculpture, another important example of which is the Johannesburg landmark Fire Walker by William Kentridge and Gerhard Marx.

Seen from a certain angle, the columnar steel tubes of Release offer a recognisable representation of Mandela’s face, as it might look from behind bars. From another angle, the full face resolves itself, as if Mandela is indeed being released. 

Artwork courtesy of the Artist.