DRAWINGS & PAINTINGS

Over the years artist Marc Alexander has produced 17 of his intended 27 portraits of late South African president Nelson Mandela, here are a selection of preliminary sketches and paintings.

Nelson Mandela 'Contemplation' by Marc Alexander, pencil on paper, 17cm by 14.5cm, (2014). Mandela's uncompromising moral convictions and gentle yet firm sense of fairness are what set him apart. It was characteristics like these that gave him such an authority at the negotiating table. Mandela said, ‘If there are dreams about a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to their goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness’.” Unfortunately, I never met Nelson Mandela in person. nevertheless, after producing so many portraits of him, I have become so familiar with every spot and wrinkle on his face. So much so that my latest sketches required little or no photographic references, and are drawn from my imagination.
Nelson Mandela 'Day Off Preliminary Sketch' by Marc Alexander, pencil on paper, 17cm by 14.5cm, (2013). This portrait was finished a few months before Nelson Mandela passed away. It depicts him at ease and in high spirits, perhaps after a Sunday afternoon concert. His legacy and the impact he made on the world will never die. A final word by Mandela, “For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. Let freedom reign. The sun never set on so glorious a human achievement.”
Nelson Mandela 'A visit to the Union Buildings Preliminary Sketch', by Marc Alexander, pencil on paper, 17cm by 14cm, (2013). Mandela became the first South African president to be elected in a Democratic manner. During his inaugural speech at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, he said: “The time for the healing of the wounds has come. The moment to bridge the chasms that divide us has come. The time to build is upon us. We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation. We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination. We succeeded to take our last steps to freedom in conditions of relative peace. We commit ourselves to the construction of a complete, just and lasting peace. We have triumphed in the effort to implant hope in the breasts of the millions of our people. We enter into a covenant that we shall build the society in which all South Africans, both black and white, will be able to walk tall, without any fear in their hearts, assured of their inalienable right to human dignity – a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world.”
Nelson Mandela 'Robben Island Revisited Preliminary Sketch' by Marc Alexander, pencil on paper, 17cm by 14.5cm, (2013). In this portrait you see Mandela with his eyes turned to heaven and hands lifted in praise to the Almighty. Marc believes that Nelson Mandela was raised as a leader by God to turn South Africa away from the brink of civil war. Here we see a man who chose forgiveness over bitterness and unity over vengeance. Mandela once said, “There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.”
Nelson Mandela 'Mandela’s Joy Preliminary Sketch' by Marc Alexander, pencil on paper, 17cm by 14.5cm, (2014). It has been said that what brought Mandela the most joy, was the laughter of children; therefore, besides campaigning globally for peace, he focused much of his attention on empowering disadvantaged children and being an AIDS activist. Mandela said, “There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
Nelson Mandela 'Let's Talk Preliminary Sketch' by Marc Alexander, pencil on paper, 17cm by 14.5cm. (2013)
Nelson Mandela 'Man of Peace Preliminary Sketch' by Marc Alexander, pencil on paper, 17cm by 14.5cm. (2013).
Nelson Mandela 'Corporate Series #3' by Marc Alexander, oil and Nylon Stitching on canvas, 120cm by 90cm. (2011).
Nelson Mandela 'Corporate Series #1' by Marc Alexander, oil and Nylon Stitching on canvas, 120cm by 90cm. (2011).
Nelson Mandela 'Corporate Series #2' by Marc Alexander, oil and Nylon Stitching on canvas, 120cm by 90cm. (2011).
Nelson Mandela 'Mandela’s Joy' by Marc Alexander, oil on canvas, 120cm by 90cm, (2013). It has been said that what brought Mandela the most joy, was the laughter of children; therefore, besides campaigning globally for peace, he focused much of his attention on empowering disadvantaged children and being an AIDS activist. Mandela said, “There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
Nelson Mandela 'Contemplation' by Marc Alexander, oil on canvas, 120cm by 90cm, (2014). This is my most recent portrait. Mandela's uncompromising moral convictions and gentle yet firm sense of fairness are what set him apart. It was characteristics like these that gave him such an authority at the negotiating table. Mandela said, ‘If there are dreams about a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to their goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness’.” Unfortunately, I never met Nelson Mandela in person. nevertheless, after producing so many portraits of him, I have become so familiar with every spot and wrinkle on his face. So much so that my latest sketches required little or no photographic references, and are drawn from my imagination.
Nelson Mandela 'Mandela's Day Off' by Marc Alexander, oil on canvas, 120cm by 90cm, (2014).
Nelson Mandela 'Let’s Talk' by Marc Alexander, oil on canvas, 120cm by 90cm, (2013). This portrait depicts Mandela the politician. His uncompromising moral convictions and gentle yet firm sense of fairness are what set him apart. It was characteristics like these that gave him such an authority at the negotiating table. Mandela said, “If there are dreams about a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to their goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness.”
Nelson Mandela 'Robben Island Revisited' by Marc Alexander, oil and gold leaf on canvas, 130cm by 90cm. (2014).
Nelson Mandela 'Hope For South Africa' by Marc Alexander, oil on canvas, 100cm by 100cm. (2011).
Nelson Mandela 'Freedom Fighter I' by Marc Alexander, oil on canvas, 100cm by 100cm, (2012). This is a portrait originally painted in oils as part of the 'Legacy' series. Legacy Series.Legacy first opened at Art Afrique Gallery in Sandton City in March 2012. The guest speaker was the late Alf Kumalo – one of South Africa’s most famous photo journalists, who has taken many iconic photographs of the anti-apartheid struggle. This acclaimed portrait series was also exhibited by invitation at Artscape Theatre Centre in Cape Town, from October to December 2013. My inspiration for this exhibition has been spurred on by the memory of the many years I spent as a pastor to the exiled and destitute in the inner-city of Pretoria. It was during this time, that I became acutely aware of the difficulties and injustices that some people faced on a daily basis and how the sacrifices of some can make all the difference. Thus began my journey of producing this series of paintings which include altruistic heroes such as Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Aung San Suu Kyi and Princess Diana to mention a few. Also amongst these greats are South African Nobel Peace Laureates; Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, FW De Klerk and Albert Luthuli. I believe that these humanitarians have made a significant contribution in improving the lives of the poor and oppressed. I have also integrated quotations from each individual on the respective paintings with steel wire which I meticulously bent to frame each work. I feel that each quote fully encapsulates each individual’s passion. Furthermore, a short biography of each individual and their contribution to society is made available at every showcasing. Also included are unsung heroes such as the late AIDS activist Nkosi Johnson and missionary, Heidi Baker. My hope is that this body of work will encourage the viewer to live more selflessly, protest injustices and take a stand for virtuous living. Truly, the choices we make in life will determine the kinds of legacies we leave behind.
Nelson Mandela 'Man of Peace' by Marc Alexander, oil on canvas, 120cm by 90cm, (2014).
Nelson Mandela 'Tribute' by Marc Alexander, pencil on watercolor paper, 42cm by 30cm. (2013).
Nelson Mandela 'Icon' by Marc Alexander, oil on canvas, 60cm by 50cm, (2013).
Nelson Mandes 'Freedom Fighter III - Legacy Series' by Marc Alexander, oil on canvas, 100cm by 100cm, (2012). My inspiration for the ‘Legacy’ series has been spurred on by the memory of the many years I spent as a pastor to the exiled and destitute in the inner-city of Pretoria. It was during this time, that I became acutely aware of the difficulties and injustices that some people faced on a daily basis and how the sacrifices of some can make all the difference.

 

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