KURT LOSSGOTT

In 2002 I won a competition to create a 4m high bronze sculpture for the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Umtata. My idea was to show 'The Elder' with an injured child, facing the hospital. The eye contact between old man protectively looking down, and young child looking up, proved to be powerful and inspiring for visitors.

Viewers often remark on the memorable expression of the face, and the way they feel in its larger-than life-size presence.

Access to the sculpture was unavailable to the public beyond its remote location in Umtata, or the privacy of my studio. As of 2014, the face of 'The Elder' can be purchased in a new exclusive edition, framed for the wall.