South African artist John Adams is currently garnering great international and local media attention as he attempts to break the world record for painting the largest ever canvas of icon Nelson Mandela.
By using gold foils, acrylic and oil paints, John depicts the life of Nelson Mandela through his renowned past in becoming one of the world’s most revered statesmen and heroes.
The painting is made up of 12 canvas panels measuring (H) 1.2m x (W) 1.5m each which will be compiled together to form the complete painting measuring (H) 4.8m x (W) 4.5m in its entirety.
From start to finish John’s painting is set to be completed in just under a month (that’s 30 days) and will be showcased at this year’s Future Ed Expo taking place at the Coca-Cola Dome, North Riding, Johannesburg from Thursday 25 July – Saturday 27 July.
The painting will then be auctioned off, with part of the proceeds benefitting two local children’s charities; The Teddy Bear Clinic for Abused Children as well as The Sunlight Safe House Project (run under the auspices of Childline).
For more information on these organisations; log onto:
Teddy Bear Clinic For Abused Children: www.ttbc.org.za
Childline’s Safe House Project: www.childline.org.za
Public bids are welcome at www.johnadams.co.za/mandeladay
Says John: “As a proud Peace Starts ambassador, this forms part of my pledge to promote peace and have started highlighting legends of peace. My reasoning behind all this is the power of reminder and inspiration you get from looking at their image. The images encapsulate unity, peace and transformation and serves as a reminder of what can be achieved. The first one I am doing is Mandela, the Legend. Need I say anything more? He personifies all of the above and has been a leadership compass to many, including me and also in the arts.”
The painting itself will rival that of Paul Blomkamp (current record holder) who took 14 months to paint his canvas, sized at 4.2m x 4.2m and is priced at R2.75m, currently up for sale to commemorate Mandela’s 95th birthday.