About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

London Exhibition Pays Homage to Nelson Mandela

by Kathy Jones on October 6, 2013 at 9:53 PM
 London Exhibition Pays Homage to Nelson Mandela

Some of the works on display in London's "We Love Mandela" exhibition include a portrait of Nelson Mandela by British artist Richard Stone and a portrayal of him playing the role of Jesus at the Last Supper.

Some 22 artists, all South African with the exception of Stone, are displaying around 50 works reflecting the "emotions of people", their feelings and ideas about South Africa's first black president, exhibition curator Natalie Knight told AFP.

Advertisement

Many of the artists showcased were forced to work underground during the era of apartheid.

Peace icon Mandela featured "at the top" of the list of personalities whom Stone, portraitist of Queen Elizabeth II and former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, wanted to paint.
Advertisement

"It was the most daunting experience I had ever had" and also "the greatest privilege", the artist told AFP.

"Here we have quite possibly the most famous man on the planet," he said.

"My goal was to capture something of the soul of this very great man."

Stone recalled how Mandela "allowed a little window to be open into his soul" during the six sittings which took place in his Johannesburg office in 2008.

The painting, which features a dignified white-haired Mandela wearing one of his trademark colourful shirts, was sold at auction in 2008 for around 480,000 euros ($650,000) during a London concert celebrating his 90th birthday.

The exhibition gives equal billing to numerous cartoons by South African animator Zapiro, one of which shows Mandela sat in a carriage next to the queen as they travel through the streets of London.

A policeman turns to his colleague and says: "The next bloody tourist who asks who's the little old lady with Mandela...!"

For Knight, the drawing epitomises "the importance of Mandela in the world."

Another work explores the power of Mandela's clenched fist, the symbol of his fight against apartheid, while another imagines Mandela as the central figure at the Last Supper, surrounded by "his" disciples, including Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks.

The exhibition was postponed on several occasions due to health concerns over 95-year-old Mandela, who was hospitalised in June and is now receiving intensive care at home.

The exhibition is free to the public and will open on October 16 at the South African embassy in London. It will then travel to Paris, while Berlin and the United States have expressed interest in hosting the works.

Source: AFP
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest Lifestyle and Wellness News

Work Breaks - Need of the Hour to Counteract Prolonged Sitting
Prolonged sitting among office goers, pose risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancers.
Fear of Garlic Bad Breath? Try Deodorizing Effect of Yogurt
Yogurt's protein and fat content demonstrated its unidentified deodorizing properties against garlic's pungent odor.
Smoking Tobacco and Cannabis Tied to Depression Risk
People who smoke tobacco and cannabis have an increased risk of depression and anxiety than those who use either substance alone or not at all.
Prevent Cognitive Decline in High-Activity Jobs
Research reveals the association between cognitive impairment and physically demanding careers, emphasizing the need for preventative strategies.
Physical Activity's Importance in Combating Sedentary Lifestyle
Excessive and protracted sedentary mode of life can result in cardiovascular problems, loss of muscle mass, increased body fat, and more.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

London Exhibition Pays Homage to Nelson Mandela Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests