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Art and Justice: The Art of the Constitutional Court of South Africa by Bronwyn Law-Viljoen (David Krut Publishers, R340)
Conventionally, a court building is a solemn and sombre affair that projects the cool objectivity and esteemed history associated with Roman Law. Typically, apart from the mandatory blindfolded woman holding scales, State emblems and glowering portraits of judges past, judicial decorum keeps art at arm's length. But there is very little conventional, classical or typical about the Constitutional Court of South Africa, and therein lies its appeal.
Like its companion volume Light on a Hill, (previously reviewed on these pages) this publication celebrates the uniqueness that is the product of a massive creative effort, not only of an elect few, but of thousands of dedicated artists and workers. Creativity - that is, finding ways to transcend limitations skilfully and spontaneously - is not the province of art alone, but pertains to all spheres of life.
When directed with passion and compassion, it may become a powerful and benign force. This is the overwhelming ethos behind Art and Justice, a compelling testimony to restitution through art.
Eight hundred words are not enough to...