Angus Taylor

Pretoria shoppers will recognise the two larger-than-life cast-steel male figures at the Irene Village Mall, known as the Co-presence (Apollonian – Dionysian).

This sculptor is also famous for his love of anti-monuments, such as donkeys which adorn public spaces such as Lynnwood Bridge.

Angus Taylor is a force to be reckoned with as a sculptor, he has risen to the top of his game within the local and international art scene, since graduating from the University of Pretoria.

ShowMe Pretoria met up with the ambitious sculptor to find out more about his love for Pretoria, his favourite sculpting materials and where he finds his inspiration from.

Is there a special place in Pretoria you go when you are looking for inspiration?

I enjoy doing the mountain bike routes on the East of Pretoria. Pretoria still offers beautiful unspoilt veld and traffic free routes from 30 – 150 km long which gives one ample opportunity and time to solve creative dilemmas. When cycling you have double normal heart rate and therefore double the oxygen, so your brain functions better.

When you are not creating your signature works, what do you do for fun?

I am an enthusiastic mountainbiker and have participated in a few races such as the ABSA Epic. I also enjoy kite surfing, and my favourite pass-time is relaxing and drinking wine with my beautiful wife, Rina.

Favourite art gallery in Pretoria?

My favourite gallery in Pretoria would be Fried Contemporary. Art making is not only about the art market, but also about gifting. Artworks often convey intelligent contemporary thought which might have no commercial value. Yet it is a good thing when these works are made and shown to be shared. In my opinion Fried does that.

Artworks often convey intelligent contemporary thought which might have no commercial value …

What is your favourite material to work with?

As with eating, it is better to eat plants and animals taken directly from the veld than consuming refined and altered materials that poison your body. I therefore prefer natural stone and soil, yet the possibilities bronze have to offer are always alluring when it comes to materials.

If you could have one of your pieces anywhere in Pretoria, where would you choose?

It will be lovely to make an anti-monument on one of the koppies close to the other iconic monuments in Pretoria, such as the Voortrekker Monument and Freedom Park.

Do you have any advice for young artists/sculptors?

I once heard a talk where someone referred to Aristotle’s idea that a virtuous life is created by doing the things that one should do. It is not about anything other than acting on that feeling that when you feel as if you should make art, then you should make art. Or sing. Or whatever. The point is that in this process you should seek excellence, and then the rest will follow. Aristotle also said that excellence is achieved through training and habit, and that we are what we repeatedly do. In this process of repeating and acting on our feelings and needs to create, excellence becomes a habit.

What can admirers of Angus Taylor look forward to for 2014?

I am quite excited to have a solo-exhibition opening on 2 October at Everard Read in Johannesburg (which, as we all know, is just a suburb of Pretoria).

To view more of Angus Taylor’s work and upcoming exhibitions visit: www.angustaylor.co.za

Visit the ShowMe Pretoria Art and Culture Page to find out more about art in Pretoria and Find art exhibitions, art galleries and events on the ShowMe Pretoria Events and Entertainment Page.