The Voice -
15 May 2003
By Danielle Weekes
NELSON MANDELA, regarded by many as the greatest statesman of all time,
has revealed a new, artistic side to himself.
The former South African president put chalk to canvas earlier this year to
produce this series of lithographs reflecting on his long imprisonment on Robben
Island.
Pictures in the series, on display at the Belgravia gallery in Victoria, central
London, range in price from £S75 to £1,950.
Proceeds will raise funds for the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Mandela, 84, has been a voice of reason in world affairs in the years following
his retirement recently calling the US a threat to world peace in the wake of
President Bush's demands for a regime change in Iraq.
Professor Hannah Steinberg. an expert in Creativity and psychology, believes
Mandela's new-found artistic talents may have stemmed from his concerns over the
state of world affairs.
Professor Steinberg, of University College London, told The Voice: "There
is of course large, mainly anecdotal literature showing that depression can lead
people to creative work.
"'These sketches were probably triggered by the current state of world affairs,
and especially those of Africa."
Mandela, who was imprisoned for 27 years for his stand against apartheid in
South Africa, went on to become the first black president of his country.
According to Professor Steinberg. Mandela's sketches reflect his long confinement,
his yearning for freedom and his endless capacity for hope.
She said: "The two 'cell' sketches are particularly poignant. Associated with
feelings of depression - the blocks of blue and purple - is the oppressiveness
of his surroundings, with the strength and the solidity of the confining bars
heavily portrayed in fiery browns and oranges.
