The Aesthetics Cluster of the A-Team initiated, created and implemented the sculpture artefacts as part of the campus beautification project in 2013, aimed at enhancing the campus culture, promoting personal ownership of the campus, institutional pride, introducing colour to campus life and providing visible signs of campus beautification. 

 

The team’s creation gave birth to Leonard Thuto. The “I want to be free” (Leonard Thuto) sculpture was officially installed on 21 February 2014, marking three years since its birth. Leonard is 3.5 metres high and stands as mascot with a scroll in his hand at the entrance of the University’s main campus. The sculpture symbolises the visual spirit of the university and creates an attraction for the broader Bloemfontein community. The concept of the artwork was influenced by Vision 2020, focusing on the first of the 4Ps (People), and represent the past, present and future.  The sculpture was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man- “he of the perfect proportions with 4 arms and 4 legs - and reversed engineered him back to a man with 2 legs and two arms. Not only is he now free to move, but has also liberated his soul.” 

Images 

1: Finishing touches before Leonard Thuto was installed in February 2014. 

2: Men at work shortly before the installation of the sculpture. 3 and featured: Three years later, Leonard is still a part of CUT and proudly stands at the university’s main campus entrance with a scroll in his hand.