Traveller SPRING 2022

The Newton Heads
Impala Stampede
The Shadow Boxer
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History is one of three artworks that
stand as sentinels at the Constitutional
Court in Braamfontein. This part of
the trio stands right outside the court’s
impressive carved doors. It was created by
Dumili Feni, an acclaimed South African
artist who died in exile in America before
he could return home. This sculpture
was cast in bronze from a clay model of
Feni’s that had been found in New York
after his death. The artist explained that
the emotional work centres on how some
people give their bodies and souls to pull
others along.
Constitutional Court, 1 Hospital Street,
Braamfontein
While much of the public art
in Johannesburg is funded by
the government, Impala
Stampede by Herman Wald
is corporate sponsored. Originally
commissioned by the Oppenheimer family
in 1960 and placed in Oppenheimer Park,
it was moved to outside Anglo-American’s
former head-office in Main Street,
Marshalltown, after being vandalised in
1999. The statue features a breathtaking
herd of impala leaping gracefully over
a fountain.
44 Main Street, Marshalltown
The M.K Gandhi Attorney at
Law statue is a traditional bronze
piece depicting Mohandas Gandhi as a
younger man and as he would have looked
when he practiced law in Johannesburg.
The social and political activist spent
18 years in the City of Gold and had a
law office not far from where the statue
stands today. The artwork was created by
Tinka Christopher.
Gandhi Square, New Street,
Marshalltown
Newtown is famous for culture, music, and
history, so it’s only fitting that it’s home
to some awesome public art too. One
of these iconic works is the Brenda
Fassie Memorial, commissioned
by the Sunday Times newspaper and
conceptualised by sculptor Angus Taylor.
The much-loved singer is depicted
informally with a microphone and empty
stool beside her, waiting for passers-by to
join her for a song. Make sure you have
a close look at this artwork as her skin is
inscribed with statements she made about
or to the media.
Outside the Market Theatre, 56 Margaret
Mcingana Street, Newtown
A few metres away you will find the
Kippie Moeketsi Tribute, by
Guy du Toit and Egon Tania. It honours
the legendary saxophone performer. This
work also includes an empty seat, offering
a perfect opportunity for you to keep
Moeketsi company or take a photo or two.
Outside the Market Theatre, 56 Margaret
Mcingana Street, Newtown
The Newtown Heads are
a defining feature of the precinct. The
hundreds of intricately carved railway
Images: Getty Images/Gallo Images and supplied.
AA Traveller | SPRING 2022