Art and Charity

An Overview of Nelson Mandela's Humbling Artwork

Great statesman and Nobel Laureate Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 27 years, of which 17 were spent in the prison on Robben Island. Mr Mandela saw the fact that he and his fellow inmates had managed to survive the inhumane conditions as a victory for the human spirit, triumph that he has celebrated in his art – a passion of his that not many know about.

Art for the Wellbeing of Humanity

Although the exact value of Nelson Mandela's art isn't known, it is estimated to be worth quite a significant amount, with the proceeds of any sales to be used for charitable purposes. The Nobel Laureate started drawing after he was released from prison, in order to fund African charities for victims of AIDS and homeless children. According to Mr Mandela's wishes, the drawings are to be sold only to a buyer who will guarantee keeping them available for public display.

A Closer Look at the "My Robben Island" Series

Nelson Mandela completed the "My Robben Island" series in June 2003. There are 20+ charcoal drawings inspired by the time he spent imprisoned and depicting images that held great meaning to him during his incarceration.

Mr Mandela used simple black charcoal lines for his drawings, with certain chosen elements emphasised through pastel colours. The simple use of colour and line dominates all the sketches and holds a significant symbolic value. The whole series emanates a sort of childish innocence, which creates a uniquely interesting contrast with the subjects of the drawings.

Let's have a look at a few of the sketches in the "My Robben Island" series to better understand this great man's artwork.

• The Window

The Window represents a symbolic view of Table Mountain seen from behind the bars of a prison window. Although the mountain couldn’t actually be seen from Mr Mandela's cell, it is present in the sketch as a vivid symbol of the prisoners' hope for freedom.

• Hand of Africa

The work represents a drawing of Nelson Mandela's right hand. What has turned the sketch in an iconic symbol globally is the palm bearing a remarkable resemblance to the shape of Africa, as if Mandela were holding the continent in his hand.

• The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse kept the ships passing nearby safe from the dangerous rocks around Robben Island, but for Nelson Mandela and his fellow prisoners it was, most of all, a constant reminder of their incarceration and isolation, as well as of how impossible escaping the prison was.

Highly meaningful not only as artwork or a means to help Africa's charities, but as a symbol of this great man's immense inner power and disarming warmth, Nelson Mandela's drawings are of great historical significance and will always remind us of the awe-inspiring leader and his place in history.