Belgravia Mandela catalogue Q7:Text 21/5/08 12:51 Page 8
Mandela’s handwritten artist’s motivation statement. The words are often poignant
and expand our understanding of his experiences. One of the works, The Courtyard,
is accompanied by some very beautiful prose regarding a tomato plant he tried to
grow there: “Despite my efforts the plant began to wither and nothing I did would
heal it. When it died I took it carefully from the soil, washed its roots and buried it
in the garden. I felt sad. It once again reminded me of where I was, and the hopeless
mess I felt at being unable to nourish other relationships in my life. It made me realize
the, simplicity and sacred value of family, of loved ones or friends. I swore to myself
that I would never take another human being, their friendship or their love for
granted again.”
Throughout all our discussions with Mr Mandela, the context of our involvement
and our acquisition of his lithographs for sale in London was understood. We had
through the sale of lithographs based on his watercolours, raised some £4 million for
the Prince of Wales’s Charitable Foundation- the Prince had sent a generous message
of support for the endeavour which was read out at the Robben Island dinner. We
hoped to do the same for the African children’s charities. However in 2005, a legal
dispute arose- still unsettled at the time of writing-with claims that funds did not
reach the nominated charities. Belgravia Gallery has therefore used part of its
proceeds of sales to make donations to two children’s charities in Africa and India,
details of which are in this brochure.
Throughout history few have left so indelible an imprint on the international stage
as Nelson Mandela. His courage, compassion and humanity are among the qualities
than have led to this Nobel laureate being recognised as the world’s greatest living
statesman. Never did an individual more powerfully symbolise the hopes of a nation.
South Africa became free in the way that it did because his hand reached out to all.
His name has become a beacon of hope to oppressed peoples throughout the world.
We believe that this collection of drawings and the handwritten motivations he
wrote to accompany the works are of great historical significance to the artistic
history of South Africa. They show a man who is determined that his art would
reflect his personal philosophy of showing grace and conciliation, while not
forgetting the past. His work is strong and powerful, in both colour and composition.
Unable to learn to draw while incarcerated, the only paper available was used to
smuggle messages to the outside world- Mr Mandela in his eighties, grasped this
opportunity to express himself. The directness and spontaneity of his work can be
compared favourably with the Paris Peace Movement drawings which Picasso
created to raise funds. We hope that Nelson Mandela’s lithographs will hang with
pride of place in homes, businesses and galleries.
It was a fascinating experience and a true honour to spend time with Mr Mandela at
his home and on Robben Island, and hear from him first hand of his enjoyment of
drawing and enjoy his enthusiastic participation in this project. We trust that these
most interesting and historical lithographs allow some of that experience and our
pleasure to be shared.
ANNA HUNTER
Managing Director
Belgravia Gal ery
December 2007
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