by Elsa Cloete

Nelson Mandela - The Long Walk Is Complete

Description:

Title: The long walk is complete

Size: 1m x 78cm

Medium : Oil on canvas

I was overwhelmed with the illness of Mr Nelson Mandela. Being a proud South African I wanted to capture the iconic impact he has on the world through my artwork.

The painting was inspired by the peoples reaction upon hearing about his illness.

Symbolism:

The earth symbolizes all the nations he touched worldwide and who shares concern about his critical condition.

The figures without houses: while praying for him and saying their goodbyes they realize the mortality of human beings.

The colour yellow represents hope the sun will shine again.

On the lefthandside is Mr Mandela dressed in one of his famous shirts in a Greek-Roman chariot which was used for races This represents the fight for freedom he fought on behalf of the people. Specifically between black and white, symbolized through the horses. It reminded me of the verse in the Bible where Paul said we all are in the race how we run it is our choice. Mr Mandela chose to run the race with forgiveness and reconciliation. The one rein symbolizes the way he strived to live in unity also shown through his very famous greeting. The rein is out of his hands � symbol of his job is done. The midnight blue space in which he was placed symbolizes that his job is done. His voice silent.

The original work is currently for sale. At the present time, originals are not offered for sale through the Fine Art America secure checkout system. Please contact the artist directly to inquire about purchasing this original by clicking on the picture link below.

About:

Born on 19th October 1946 in Johannesburg. Moved to Heidelberg Tvl. as 4-year-old toddler, where after a few minor locations she still lives today. At the age of 6 years she already decided that she wants to paint.

Read More:

Dr. Mansveldt discovers her talent when she was eleven. Her parents encourage and support her. She completes her schooling at Hoër Volkskool Heidelberg and upon matriculation she was rewarded with a book prize for the best achievement in art. She obtained her teachers degree specializing in art at Heidelberg Teachers Training College. She passed art appreciation with distinction and taught art as a subject for the following three years. She obtained various gold certificates for her artworks before deciding to make art her fulltime occupation.

1970: Started painting fulltime. Experimented with various mediums e.g. polyester resin, which lay a good foundation for her watercolor medium.

1972: Decided to concentrate on one medium - namely watercolor. Various exhibitions followed in Pretoria, Springs, Kempton Park etc.

1976: Took part in-group exhibitions arranged by The South African Art Society.

1977: Under the guidance of Carl Jeppy she studied portraits and executed various portraits on commission.

1978: Approached by The University of Pretoria for a donation for Huis Madelief. She became a member of the Watercolor Society of Southern Africa and was approached by Annondale Gallery in Lichtenburg to exhibit and to make a donation. She also took part in The New Signature Exhibition arranged by the South African Art Society.

1979: Partook in various group exhibitions arranged by Watercolor Society of Southern Africa. Exhibitions at various venues followed e.g. Lichtenburg, Bloemfontein and Nico Malan Theatre in Cape Town. During the same year an exhibition was held in the Pall Mall Gallery in London where both her entries were accepted.

1981: In conjunction with The Department of Foreign Affairs, National Education and the Watercolor Society of Southern Africa an exhibition was arranged in Bonn, Germany where both Elsa’s entries were accepted for exhibition. She also exhibited in Nylstroom with Bettie Cilliers - Barnard and Alice Elai. An exhibition at Roedtan followed. During this period Elsa followed a correspondence course in and achieved a first class diploma.

1982: The first multi - racial exhibition - arranged by the South African Art Society, took place in Sebokeng, near Vereeniging. All of the seven works of art, which were submitted, were accepted. During the same year she exhibited at The Gallery in the Volkskas building in Pretoria. She also obtained her certificate as an Associate Member of the Watercolor of Southern Africa.

1984: Elsa held an exhibition at Grootfontein (Namibia) in conjunction with the South African Defense Force.

1985: An invitation to exhibit at Otiwarongo followed and was accepted.

1986: The South West African Task Force arranged exhibitions in galleries at Swakopmund, Keetmanshoop and Windhoek.

1987: Major exhibitions are held in Windhoek, Grootfontein and Rundu.

1988: Various exhibitions followed at De Aar, Port Elizabeth, Ermelo, Amersfoort,Vereeniging, Alberton, Brakpan, Nigel, Brits, Middelburg, Rustenburg, Pietersburg etc. She receives a commission from One Construction Regiment to do seven paintings.

1989: Elsa is commissioned to do portraits of Min. Magnus Malan and Breyten Breytenbach.

1990: Elsa took part in the 30th exhibition of the Watercolor Society of Southern Africa. Examples of her work can be found throughout South Africa and in London, Germany, Zimbabwe, America, France, Australia, Switzerland, Botswana and Namibia. She is a member of the Pretoria Arts and Crafts Society, South African Art Society (N- Tvl), Art Society of Port Elizabeth and AWSSA.

1992: Elsa is commissioned by The Army Gymnasium in Heidelberg to paint a presentation parade in oils.

1993: Commissioned portrait studies on Luit. - General George Meiring as well as General Geldenhuys. Participate in the Grand Prix exhibition organized by the AWSSA. Completes four paintings of four Mine Groups commissioned by Anglo - American.

1994: Elsa was invited to exhibit for Volkskas Bank in the interest of Nature Conservation at Heidelberg.

1995: Commissioned work for Anglo American. commissioned work for Paradym. Exhibition held to portrait the Afrikaans Language in vision.

1996: Group exhibition at Gabarone in Botswana where 145 works were exhibited. She received the Saunders Buckingford Award for the best work at the exhibition. She was also invited to participate in the “Space to Breath”exhibition at the Art Museum in Pretoria. She exhibited in the Springs Art Gallery.

1997: Commissioned for the companies H.H.Robertson and Dorbyl. A calendar was compiled with Insects as the theme - a first of its kind in South Africa.

1998: Commissioned for KaySands Hotel in Port Elizabeth. Entered designs of wine labels for the Zonnebloem Wineries. Exhibitions for the AWSSA.

1999: Entered designs for the stamp collection of the South African Anglo Boer War for Post and Telecommunications. Exhibition for AWSSA. Exhibition in charcoal – Woman & Child Abuse - in Springs.

2000: Took part in a group exhibition held at the AWSSA.

2001: Commissioned to paint murals at a private residence as well as at the Suikerbos – Clinic. Group exhibitions held at the AWSSA where in the newsletter being described as a “Very Creative Artist”

2002: Commissioned to paint murals at the Heidelberg Hospital as well as a new Tea Garden. Participated in a group exhibition at the AWSSA. Commissioned by the Chamber of Commerce, Heidelberg to paint murals as well as paintings. Posters for the Inanda Club in JHB.

2003: Commissioned by Midway 2. All three works entered for the “Something Different” Exhibition has been accepted and as a result of this she has been invited by the AWSSA to take part in the exhibition “Untamed Art” being held in May 2003.

2004: Work published in Artist’s Diary 2004 and 2005 “ Something Different ” Exhibition. Three artworks accepted “ From trash to Treasure ” Three artworks accepted.

2005: Group exhibition WSSA. Private Mural.

2006: Group exhibition WSSA. Commissioned paintings.

2007: Group exhibition WSSA. Portrait studies.

2008: Group exhibition WSSA Windows from Heaven Exhibition held at the Centurion Art Gallery Art work chosen for Sotheby’s Auction Commissioned work for Heidelberg Music School going to Germany, various portrait studies, oil paintings and crosses.

2009: Art work has been accepted for group exhibition WSSA

2010 Art work has been accepted for group exhibition WSSA Took part in a National Exhibition in Durban.

2011 Art work has been accepted for group exhibition WSSA Took part in the GrandPirx exhibition at Manor gallery Art work has been selected for a Sotheby’s auction

2012 Art work has been accepted for group exhibition WSSA The WSSA established a branch for oil paintings and all 3 of my works has been selected for the first and the second exhibition. Commissioned work

2013 Art work has been accepted for group exhibition WSSA All 3 of my oil paintings which I have done with my left hand (I am right handed) has been selected for the exhibition.

Johannesburg, Gauteng - South Africa