Gerhard’s aim is to create sculptures that capture emotion, movement and inherent energy. Inspired by the work of Michelangelo and Bernini, the grotesque nature of Callot’s etches and the cubism movement, his sculptures have a classical appearance, but are not necessarily exactly life-like. Their poses are often unusual, and their limbs and movements are created for emotional expression and not necessarily for copying the human figure.

The Dance of Life sculpture commissioned for the Stellenbosch Outdoor Sculpture Trust’s Stand exhibition features two young lovers dancing on top of a stainless-steel fountain that doubles as a bicycle stand. In the sculptures one can see shy dancing, subtle flirtation, and potentially an innocent kiss. The industrial-like nature of the fountain contrasts with the playfulness of the dance and the fragility and beauty of young love.