How did Nelson Mandela perceive the world? This is the question posed by the Perceiving Freedom sculpture. It stands before us as a giant pair of stainless steel spectacles.
The Perceiving Freedom sculpture is more than just art. It’s a tribute to Nelson Mandela. It honors South Africa and the very concept of freedom.
Local artist Michael Elion created this thought-provoking installation. It was unveiled on the eve of South Africa’s 20 years of democracy. Perceiving Freedom became an official World Design Capital 2014 project.
The sculpture gazes out towards Robben Island. It establishes a dialogue with our country’s history. It connects us to Mandela. His capacity to transcend hardship transformed the nation. His legacy to the world is immense.
Elion challenges us. What does it truly mean to be free? The lenses are clear. They symbolize the invisible barriers and prejudices in our perceptions. Do we see the island as a paradise of hopes and dreams? Or as a prison and a place of banishment? Perceiving Freedom is a testament to the power of the mind.
This enormous sculpture is in the iconic Wayfarers style. It comprises hundreds of stainless steel plates welded together. Polycarbonate lenses complete the effect. Weighing 1200kg this structure stands prominently on the promenade.
The City of Cape Town councillor Jacques Weber said the placement of the Giant Spectacles is another example of our caring and open city. Twenty years ago some areas were only for a privileged few. Today we stand in a public space with public art enjoyed by every single Capetonian and visitor to our city.
The sculpture has faced controversy. Some dismissed it as corporate vandalism. Guerrilla graffitists even vandalized it. They spray-painted Myopic Art on its lenses. They added We broke your hearts referring to the Marikana killings.
Despite criticism Perceiving Freedom continues to spark dialogue. It encourages us to reflect on freedom perception and South Africa’s history. The narrative underscores Mandela looking through those glasses towards Robben Island. He contemplated imprisonment versus freedom.
The promoters of Perceiving Freedom clearly have in mind the kind of open air sculpture gardens that exist in so many other great cities around the world. The Sea Point promenade would seem to be a perfect place to build one. Done right the statuary buildings and natural features of the land all come together to make a conversation.
So as you stand before the Perceiving Freedom sculpture take a moment. Consider Mandela’s vision. Consider your own perceptions. And consider what freedom truly means to you.