February 14, 2003
Powerful images from a hero
Nelson Mandela has been one of my personal heroes ever since I took a class in South African History with the incomparable DiCenzo-san in 1981. I read everything I could find by and about Mandela. Compare him with almost any 20th or 21st century leader and he comes out miles ahead. It is amazing how wise and magnanimous he was able to be, considering all the hardships he suffered. 27 years in a horrible prison for fighting against apartheid. Even after leaving the presidency of South Africa, he has stood up for what he thinks is right, even when it costs to him and his lifelong allegiance to the ANC.
The NYT had an interesting article a week ago about him. Apparently, at the age of 84, he has taken up drawing with charcoal and pastels, and he recently held an auction of some of his art for charity at Robben Island. I found the pictures very moving. They make it easier to imagine his 27 years on the island. Lithographs of his art is are on sale at the Belgravia Gallery in London. If this was still the dot com era, with people begging for my consulting services, I would consider purchasing one -- alas financial considerations make that impossible at this time. Consider it on my wish list.
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If I had $2,600 to spend, a lithograph would be winging its way to Berkeley right now. I hope they will publish a book that includes photographs of his work....let's keep our eyes open. Heroic seems almost a tame description of this man.
Posted by: Reston on February 15, 2003 07:33 AM