Nelson Mandela portrait with ancient rock art background depicting his heritage.

30-Freedom Smile.
Portrait of Madiba with his famous blue paisley shirt. Background elements depict the early Khoi San heritage of the indigenous people of the Eastern Cape, Nelson’s birthplace. In addition there are the mountain ranges, indigenous Aloe plant, rock paintings, young warrior initiative and the cultural rural villages. The traditional elders and the East Cape coastline are also depicted – all ghosted as Mandela’s life time into the mud plaster technique used to build their huts.

The custom frame made from hardwood, metal and copper reflecting the indigenous Xhosa implements.

Custom Designed Frame.
This special custom designed frame for the Nelson Mandela painting was designed by Don Bell and his partner, Malcolm Topper.
Various elements of the frame were created and manufactured by the following donors:
Well known South African Sculptor Werner Lemmer created the magnificent bracket work and copper elements. Keith Crocker manufactured the metal frame.