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Hollard commission the largest exterior mosaic

Hollard Insurance Group is in full support of South African talent, especially when it comes to contemporary art. Emphasising their passion for SA’s art scene, Hollard commissioned a magnificent piece of work by the Spier Architectural Arts Academy. The piece was based on an idea delivered by local artist, Marlise Keith.

Creating A Masterpiece

Under the direction of local artist, Marlise Keith, the Spier Architectural Arts Academy created one of the largest installations they’ve ever created - The Rat Race. A host of young mosaic artists joined Marlise Keith in constructing this 2m x 16m exterior mosaic panel that now hangs in the Hollard business campus in Parktown, Johannesburg.

Hollard’s passion for the project has been an overwhelming source of inspiration for the artists, who have beenreceiving expert training and instruction in the ancient art of mosaic. Italian trained masters from the Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli, a famous school in Italy, have shared knowledge and skills with artists at the Spier Arts Academy. The work that comes from our local artists, as a result, is very reminiscent of authentic mosaic work that could very well have been completed hundreds of years ago.

The 36m² piece was created and constructed in Cape Town and shipped to Johannesburg as a number of puzzle pieces. After 2 weeks of careful assembly and erection, the finished piece now inspires Hollardites with its’ soothing reflections of the sea coupled with images of city life.

The Spier Architectural Arts Academy has a vision that will allow young South African artists to expand on the local art industry by creating installations such as The Rat Race. Hollard Insurance Group intends to nurture this vision. Incidentally, the artwork has already received a nomination for the 14^th annual Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) awards, supported by Anglo American in 2011.

Read more: www.spierarchitecturalarts.com/theratrace

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