Artist honours Madiba’s long walk to freedom
Twenty-eight-year-old artist, Keith Zenda, recently added a six-piece canvass tribute to the life and times of the first democratic President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.
The artist, who realised his talent at the early age of six, pays homage to special moments that South Africans were able to share with the now ailing former Statesman.
“Every painting represents a moment which I believe form part of Madiba’s strength, resilience and long walk to realising democracy.
“The black pot in all the paintings represent a dark time in South Africa, as it represents their captivity,” says Zenda.
“I adopted this style of painting after receiving an award for work that I had entered into an art competition sponsored by the German Embassy.”
Zenda explains that the spillage of people from the black pots represents freedom, not only physically but as well as emotionally.
“Mandela preached peace and because of this, his life has inspired me from when I was a little child,” he says.
As he explains what part of Mandela’s struggle each piece represents, he tells how he wishes to paint the lives of more heroes.
“God gave me this talent, and it was only by his will that I discovered it, therefore, I plan to use it in the best way possible.
“However, I would’ve not been able to paint the life of Mandela if it had not been for Mike Hoffman, as he sponsored me with the canvasses and paint,” he says.
“Painting life’s heroes and legends brings meaning to my art, and I can only wish to one day be able to show my paintings to the subjects.”
