Perfect Paradise
| CCAC #: | 0166 |
| Artwork title: | Perfect Paradise |
| Artist(s): |
Johannes Maswanganyi |
| Year made: | Unknown |
| Artwork type: | Sculpture or object |
| Medium: | Wood and paint |
| Dimensions (mm): | 1500 x 1285 x 1150 |
| Source: | Donated by Standard Bank Gallery, Jhb |
| Year acquired: | 1998 |
| Installation type: | Movable artwork |
| Current location: | On external loan |
| Exhibitions: |
Spring Is Rebellious: The Art & Life of Albie Sachs: 24 July 2025 - 23 August 2026 |
| Signage: | Perfect Paradise is a carved and painted wooden sculpture by Johannes Maswanganyi. The work shows a human figure moving through a group of trees with birds, reaching out as if connecting with nature. The scene suggests a peaceful relationship between people and the natural world. Inspired by biblical ideas of paradise, it reflects a time of harmony and balance before loss or change. The sculpture explores themes of spirituality, connection, and the search for belonging. |
| Themes: |
Spirituality Environmentalism |
| Constitutional links: |
Human dignity - constitutional value (section 1a, section 10) Freedom of religion, belief and opinion (section 15) Freedom of expression (section 16) |
| Related constitutional cases: |
S v Makwanyane & Another (1995) Khosa v Minister of Social Development (2004) |
Photographer: Ben Law-Viljoen
Photo copyright: CCT
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NOTE: The process of photographing artworks in the CCAC is underway - we are currently working to improve image quality and display on the CMS but have included internal reference photos for identification purposes in the interim.
NOTE: The process of photographing artworks in the CCAC is underway - we are currently working to improve image quality and display on the CMS but have included internal reference photos for identification purposes in the interim.