Artist Michael J Lee will commemorate 40 South Africans who he believes have played a pivotal role in shaping the nation at his second solo exhibition from Thursday September 7 to Saturday September 9 St Thomas Church, Campground Road, Rondebosch.
Titled Inspired, the collection of monochrome oil paintings showcase the four Nobel Peace Prize winners, Nelson Mandela, FW de Klerk, Albert Luthuli and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, as well as Walter Sisulu, Jan Smuts, Sol Plaatje, Nadine Gordimer, Thuli Madonsela, Trevor Noah, Professor Christiaan Barnard, Dr Patrick Soon-Shiong, Robert Sobukwe, Helen Suzman, Steve Biko, Gary Player, Rassie Erasmus, Wayde van Niekerk, Siya Kolisi, Graça Machel, Jacques Kallis, Thabo Mbeki, Athol Fugard, JM Coetzee, Helen Zille, Miriam Makeba, Sandra Prinsloo, Alan Paton, Dr Beyers Naude, Cyril Ramaphosa, Sol Kerzner, Charlize Theron, Clem Sunter, Tatjana Schoenmaker, Cheslin Kolbe, Trevor Manuel, Graeme Smith, Chad le Clos, Albertine Sisulu and Francois Pienaar.
Completing the Heroism Corner in the exhibition will be two large oil paintings dramatising the solo journey of Chris Bertish, the first person to cross the Atlantic Ocean by SUP (Stand Up Paddle).
“In the midst of a preponderance of negative thinking about the country, it’s time to celebrate the influential figures who in some way have changed us, or the course of our rainbow nation for the good,” said Lee. “I loved painting each portrait, as these South Africans have all been next level in their different fields. They inspire us through their example and achievements, and brighten our prospects as a nation.”
Lee will also display his series of 25 pencil sketches of Table Mountain, as well as several oil paintings of the mountain drawn from different perspectives.
The exhibition will be open from 10am to 5pm on Thursday September 7 and Friday September 8, and until 6pm on Saturday September 9. For details, contact Michael J. Lee at michael@positivedestiny.org or call 072 956 1351.
