St Katharine’s Preparatory Grade 7s alongside artist James Delaney unveiled a statue, The Blue Girl, on November 23, which stands on the school’s koppie.
The leaving grade worked closely with Delaney on a project centered around the theme of ‘Ubuntu’ and spent time with the artist at The Wilds, and worked on
mini-sculptures, which formed part of a greater installation on the indigenous school’s koppie.
Delaney said St Katharine’s Preparatory was similar to the environment of The Wilds in terms of the view, koppie and indigenous plants.
“The koppie needed some work, and a focal point because one walked around the pathway and down again without pausing and looking into the landscape. I felt if we placed a piece that became a focal point, it would make people spend more time on the koppie and reflect on their day with The Blue Girl.”
He added that he worked closely with the learners choosing plants, reworking the area and building stepping stones which lead to the centre.
The Blue Girl stands on the koppie above the school, in a specially built stone circle, with views over the City of Joburg, her arm outstretched pointing towards the future.
Grade 7 learner Tia Kassen said the statue represented strength. “The movement of the girl shows how your journey here moves like the wind, fast yet slow, peaceful yet loud. The lessons learned here are ones that every girl will remember and the bonds we make are forever because we were a blue girl first.”
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