In May 2002, Nelson Mandela began a series of sketches with the subject Robben Island. In the company of a skilled photographer, Grant Warren, he revisited the island, scene of some of his most painful years with its cruel repressive regime.
At his home, under the watchful eye of his art teacher Varenka Paschke, a young South African artist, he quickly adapted from being a world leader to a budding artist.
Varenka guided her student providing assistance with the basic composition of the sketches and method of the color applications.
The works were completed in a series of color separations, first the strong black crayon lines providing the guide, then he selected colorful shades for each image. It is interesting to note that he completed no final original piece, only a series of separations which, when overlaid, create the final picture.
The five editions were signed individually by Mr Mandela - each of the pieces with a generous and carefully drawn signature. His artist's motivations written in his characteristic neat handwriting, offer an insight into the thoughts behind the color images he created.
“In these sketches entitled: My Robben Island, I have attempted tocolor the island sketches in ways that reflect the positive light inwhich I view it. This is what I would like to share with people aroundthe world and, hopefully, also project the idea that even the mostfantastic dreams can be achieved if we are prepared to endure life’schallenges.” Nelson Mandela, 2002
