Owning Mandela

In documenting public art in Cape Town these last few weeks, I have come across many representations of Madiba. Most recently, there was a protest happening alongside on of these works. The protestors were incredibly dressed in ANC honoring shweshwe fabrics incorporating Madiba's image. The songs were just as colorful as their attire, as they sang victory songs and ululated in a way that was joyful yet at the same-time expressed the impending sorrow we all feel.

They were protesting the use of Madiba's image by the City of Cape Town. Recently a number of public art expressions have been plastered over buildings and lamp posts to name but a few. I personally think the art is incredible but possibly needing a home, a place, a sanctuary, at this time..rather than reimagining an already famous brand. The protesters were of the opinion that Mandela belongs to the African National Congress. I suspect this is the beginning of a nationwide debate which will inevitable be voiced in some way or another through public art.

At both the Cape Town International Convention Centre and Civic Centre, additional exhibitions/celebrations can be seen. I was quite interested with the obviously muted atmosphere now within the CTICC foyer as a result. I paused at a large photo of Madiba on an easel surrounded by glass votive candles. Tempted to light a candle, I thought: 'not yet'.
There is still time.

Time to understand, time to plan, time to distill all that has happened. Not into another brand. I want the City to make a place. A place (or places) I can go with my children and put the lovely get-well card they made for him. A place where those well dressed ladies can teach my children those same freedom songs. A place where I can draw and draw from. Public art plays such an important role in coming to terms with a post-Mandela age for young and old alike.

When I asked my little girl (4yrs old) who she thought Nelson Mandela is. Her reply:
"He is the real statue of liberty"

Indeed.

The site of the protest