A painting of Nelson Mandela

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Nelson Mandela

       By Mathew Malefane

Mathew Malefane was born in Soweto; he was one of the privileges children and went to a school in Cape Town to study filmmaking. He now makes documentaries in Johannesburg. He taught himself to paint, and this painting Of Nelson Mandela made a very deep impression on all black Africans.

          Mathew Malefane chose to paint Nelson Mandela for a number of reasons. One could be as a role model to all black Africans as he fought for their rights and freedom. It could be symbolising slavery, or the Apartheid. A painting is a very good way to show emotion and feeling, and he could of painted Nelson Mandela, as he was delighted and pleased that he was set free.

   Nelson Mandela stood up for his rights and for the rights of all black people. He believes that they should be equal and respected as human beings. As he stood up and believes this he was put in prison for 20 years. As he was imprisoned there was many protests and riots, and when he was released he was voted for the government. He then won the election, and gave moving, emotive, and touching speeches, which won over all the Africans and he finally became the leader of the African National congress.

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   In the painting, the uses of certain colours are very symbolic. The background is painted in blocks of yellow, green, and black. These are all the colours of his flag. The yellow is surrounding his head, and this symbolises him coming into the light and out of the dark prision he was in. The yellow gradually becomes lighter as it gets closer to his head, this may symbolise a new and hope and beginning. Nelson Mandela looks like he is reaching up to the heavens, and the use of the yellow really adds to this effect. The use off ...

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