THE ART OF NELSON MANDELA

ROBBEN ISLAND          THE PRISON YEARS

VIEW FROM CELL    ROBBEN ISLAND   NELSON MANELA
from google for education only

 There is much you may know about the extraordinary life of Nelson Mandela, but I doubt many of you knew about the art work he did while in prison! I too was surprised and was not aware of his  art work.  
Nelson Mandela was approached by a groups to produce a group of lithographs.

"In 2002 whilst in New York, we learned that Nelson Mandela had indeed started to draw and that his lithographs were to be launched a few months later. Mr Mandela had been invited to participate in a program me which would have him drawing a series of works whose sales could achieve great results." Quoted from Belgravia Gallery article

"In 2002 we spent a happy and memorable time with him at his home in Johannesburg where he told us of his vision to use the art to help underprivileged children affected by HIV and the associated poverty and isolation. We were very privileged to be entrusted with the sale of his art to allow this vision to continue.He credited Princess Diana for making him aware of the nature and scale of the human disaster. He chatted easily and warmly about the Royal Family-mentioning meeting "Elizabeth":

Prison on Robben Island                                  from google for education only

"I recognise you from the stamps," he quipped and the Queen responded, "And I recognise you from the tee-shirts." Mrs Thatcher also delighted him with her skills at making and pouring tea. A few weeks later, together with our family, clients and friends, we joined Nelson Mandela at a dinner on Robben Island in 2003, to launch his artwork. He spoke of his love of color and joy at drawing, and told us that when he finally retires, he would like to become a full- time artist. Arguably the greatest statesman of the twentieth century, his achievements and personal triumph have become a powerful symbol to people all over the world that good will ultimately prevail"  Quoted from the site of the Belgravia Gallery.

I think this is a beautiful story about Nelson Mandela and his art work.  Art has a healing effect on people who are going through horrific experiences and great trauma.  Self expression helps us to deal with things that seem impossible to live through.  Evidently Nelson Mandela found his love of art again in his 27 years in prison.  He came out of prison a loving and positive man, not a broken and bitter one.  He found a way, not only to survive, but to heal and move forward.

  

The Struggle Series

“These sketches are not so much about my life as they are about my own country. I drew hands because they are powerful instruments, hands can hurt or heal, punish or uplift. They can also be bound but a quest for righteousness can never be repressed. In time, we broke lose the shackles of injustice, we joined hands across social divides and national boundaries, between continents and over oceans and now we look to the future, knowing that even if age makes us wiser guides, [it is] the youth that reminds us of love, of trust and of the value of life.”  25.7.2001  N Mandela

ART SPEAKS A LANGUAGE WE CAN ALL UNDERSTAND

LINES LIKE METAL STICKS IN THE SKY

TEXTURED RAGGED EDGES STAND TOGETHER IN SPACE JUXTAPOSED JUST RIGHT SO OUR VISION BEGINS TO MAKE SINCE OF WHAT WE ARE SEEING, 

From google image for educational purposes only

AS WE BEGIN TO FOCUS WE SEE A FACE, THE PROFILE OF A MAN, A GREAT MAN

From Google image for educational purposes only

A MAN WHO ENDED APARTHEID IN SOUTH AFRICA DIED, NELSON MADELA.
ART HELPS US CAPTURE HIS STRUGGLE, HIS IMPRISONMENT, AND HIS TRIUMPH OVER PREJUDICE AND UNFAIRNESS. 

WITH THE CREATIVE VISION AND ARTISTIC SKILLS OF MARCO CIANFANELLI NELSON MADELA'S SPIRIT WILL LIVE ON WITH US FOREVER.

CAN YOU, AS ONE LONE PERSON, MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Caine's Arcade

  I am increasingly convinced one person can make a difference in this world.  Perhaps it is passion, perhaps it is intent, and perhaps it is by accident, but how we live our lives, how we give to others, is important not only for others, but for ourselves.  And I more convinced with every day that is our purpose on the Earth.  In giving to others, we give to ourselves.  In enriching others, we enrich the community we live in and make it a better place for all of us.

Rosa Parks Sits in the Front of the Bus Shocking
 the Social Order of the  Time

Ai Wei Wei Dissident Chinese Artist

My Students making Matisse Art

Sometimes I think it is quite by accident like the 9 year old boy who loved being creative so much, the pureness of his act effected others nationwide.  To make a cardboard arcade with tape and scrap cardboard boxes, to have the naive idea to sell tickets and have a business at 9 years old.  Or to be so determined to do something no matter how difficult your handicap may be, as in the case of Helen Keller, that you can overcome seemingly unsurmountable odds, that is determination.
 Or to be one lady on a bus who takes a seat in the front of the bus and sets the world on fire, as Rosa Parks did when she challenged the social order of the day.  Or to be Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned for years due to his quest to change South Africa's unjust social order.

Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night                from google for education only

  Or to pick up a brush and to dare to paint differently than every artist before you and shock the art world with your brush strokes like Vincent Van Gogh.  And to stand in front of a tank and defy overwhelming force to bring attention to the need for freedom, and one man did in China.

Elizabeth Gordon, Art Advocate in Washington D.C.
Even thought I am a retired teacher I am never a retired
art advocate and artist.

It is my belief that art can change lives and change the world.  I believe so deeply in the power of the arts to effect and enable people I have spent my entire life in art education, art advocacy and in the making of art.  Starting this blog and being intent on posting every day about the value of art in  people's lives is my attempt to make a different. Some blogs have teams of people behind them to help write, organize and post.  This blog is just me, one person sharing, researching, posting, talking and believing.  What ever your passion is, what ever you talent is, what ever your intent is, just put it out there and the universe has a way of supporting you when you do. Good journey, my friends start today, touch someones life, give a little more than you take, be a little kinder, be a little more understanding, be a little more tolerant, and above all believe in yourself and your abilities. Now go forth do good, and make a difference.