Pearls Mall and Anant Singh’s Videovision Entertainment launched a
first-time exhibition of wax sculptures of Nelson Mandela created by talented
Durban artist and sculptor, Lungelo Gumede, to commemorate Mandela’s 100th
birthday. The exhibition, which will take place free of charge at the Pearls
Mall from July 13 to 22, 2018, has been recognised by the Nelson Mandela
Foundation as an official Mandela Day initiative.
To enhance the exhibition and to create an unforgettable Mandela
experience, film producer Anant Singh has made available the actual car which
Mandela was driving when he was arrested in the film, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom to be part of the exhibition.
Anant Singh, also a director of the Pearls of Umhlanga said, “We are
delighted to have secured Lungelo Gumede’s Mandela Wax Sculpture Collection for
an exclusive exhibition at Pearls Mall to commemorate Madiba’s 100th Birthday.
We have known Lungelo since he was a teenager and followed his progress as an
artist. Initially a portrait artist, he has become an accomplished wax sculptor
which can be seen in the life-like sculptures of Madiba. The exhibition, while
celebrating the Mandela Centenary also reminds us of Madiba’s legacy, his
selfless leadership, and that he is always with us in some form.
The exhibition also supports the Mandela
Centenary theme, ie ‘Renewing the Mandela legacy and promoting active
citizenship in a changing world’. We trust that visitors to the exhibition will
be inspired to live by Madiba’s principles and to #BeTheLegacy.”
“My work has been featured in many homes, galleries and festivals around
the world; but, I am proud that this, my first formal exhibition, is in my home
town. I am honoured to be exhibiting my Mandela Collection for the first time
to mark such an incredible occasion: the commemoration of Nelson Mandela’s
Centenary. The aim of the exhibition is to take the public on a journey through
Mr Mandela’s life, showcasing key milestones, in the hope that it motivates
every South African to live by Madiba’s example,” explains Lungelo Gumede.
Yolandè Mattison, Pearls Mall Retail Manager, said; “We are thrilled to
have the skilled and talented Lungelo Gumede exhibit his Nelson Mandela Wax
Sculpture Collection at Pearls Mall. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,
and we are delighted we could bring this to our patrons and the greater Durban
community. The exhibition is timely especially as we celebrate the Mandela
Centenary and Mandela Day on 18 July. We want visitors who engage with
Lungelo’s life-like sculptures to be inspired by Madiba’s life and follow the
Mandela Day message which is “Take Action, Inspire Change and Make Every Day a
Mandela Day.”
The exhibition has been recognised by the Nelson Mandela Foundation as
an official Mandela Day initiative. It is open to the public until July 22,
2018, on the Food Lovers level of the Pearls Mall in Umhlanga Rocks. Patrons
can view and engage with the exhibits at leisure, and also take selfies with
some of the sculptures.
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