White Sculpture Remonstrating with Infinity

Medium: painted wood
Dimensions: 172 x 104 x 56cm
Price: R50,000

The whiteness of this sculpture, in contrast with many of Gert Swart's more colourfully arrayed pieces, reminds one of an artifact from an ancient culture. Indeed, the three figures processing on the stepped corner of the portal frame, are reminiscent of the Egyptian Sun God, Ra, with an orb on each of their heads. The figures are facing the upper lintel, where a funnel is positioned as if to receive the round burdens carried by the figures. However the figures' purpose is frustrated in two ways. The leading figure is blindfolded (accidentally?) by a windswept cloth, and also, the funnel becomes impossibly narrow for the orbs to pass through it to the lower section of the portal, where the base has a central hollow indentation to receive them.

The birds' heads also seem to be processing in a circle, but then one notices that they are not all facing in the same direction. Their purpose is mysterious, and they are imbued with motifs such as staircases and plant-like forms which speak of industry and growth. Two of the birds' even have hourglass timers for eyes.

The 'infinite' circle formed by the birds' heads, the hourglass timers, and the patient 'waiting' of the white figures to be relieved of their burdens, speaks, (or remonstrates), with the sense of infinity mentioned in the title.

There is a riddle here, and the viewer is invited to 'navigate' the sculpture, to take in all the details and clues, and to solve the 'puzzle'. There are in fact puzzle pieces suggested in the bottom inside corner of the portal, and underneath the lowest of the outer three figure's platform, and these pieces are also waiting. Waiting for the missing pieces to connect them! - by Walter Hayn