The history of The Eland
JOBURG - If you've been to Braamfontein, you've probably seen The Eland sculpture at the entrance of the district – so in case you were wondering about it, City Buzz has the full history of Braamfontein's gatekeeper.
Since the development of Braamfontein as an Improvement District in 2004, there have been a number of artists and creatives commissioned to build, paint and beautify the area.
The Eland was built in 2007, just three years after the development of the trendy district was initiated, and stands at the entrance of the area to this day.
It was built by Clive van den Berg after he was awarded the Gateway Public Sculpture commission for a 5.5 metre concrete and plant work.
The structure, which was commissioned to be made with concrete and surrounded by plants, is planted with aloes, trees and grasses whose growth and seasonal changes are an integral part of the sculpture.
This was an initiative of the Johannesburg Development Agency and the Braamfontein Improvement District.
Van den Berg, a Johannesburg resident, is not only an artist but also a writer, designer and teacher of the arts.
His career began almost three decades ago when he won the Volkskas Young Artists Award in 1987, and his years of experience allowed him to create this sculpture that carries great meaning in Braamfontein.
“This slightly forlorn image of a majestic animal would, I imagine, bring beauty and grandeur to a busy place. I hope it would also be an emblem that prompts reflection on our relationship to the past, and to the interconnectedness of environmental, cultural and spiritual destinies,” said Van den Berg.
The Eland has withstood the test of time and stood through developments, watching as shops, restaurants and residents came into the area.
You can find The Eland on the corner of Bertha and Ameshoff streets in Braamfontein.
