On September 9, 2016, Long-Sharp Gallery Indianapolis, will open the exhibit “Nelson Mandela: The Artist.” The exhibit will feature two dozen drawings and hand signed original lithographs created by Mr. Mandela in 2002-2003. The subject of the works is Mr. Mandela’s 18 years of imprisonment on Robben Island and his reflections on that experience upon his release. A portion of this collection of works was exhibited at New York’s Rockefeller Center in 2003. This is the first time since Mr. Mandela’s death, and the second time since their creation, that the collection has been exhibited in the United States.

Given the escalation of racial tensions in the United States, and the example Mr. Mandela set for reconciliation in South Africa upon his election to the presidency, Long-Sharp Gallery Indianapolis will be transformed into a place for dialog during this exhibit. Seating will be available for this purpose, along with copies of Nelson Mandela’s book “The Long Walk to Freedom.” Gallery doors are open to the community to explore the exhibit and to have peaceful dialog about the issues America faces today. As Nelson Mandela said:

No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.

According to gallery owner Rhonda Long-Sharp, who grew up in a neighborhood fraught with racial tension, this exhibit (almost two years in the planning) was always envisioned to spark dialog. “It’s timeliness could be no more plain. In light of recent events in our country, it is my hope that we can learn from Nelson Mandela’s example. His artworks and the essays he wrote to accompany them will be available to see and absorb. It is my hope that they will serve as a step toward peaceful dialog. Local and government groups wishing to reserve the gallery space for meetings to discuss this topic are welcome to contact us.”

The exhibit is presented in partnership with Belgravia Gallery (Mayfair, UK) who worked with Mr. Mandela on this project during his lifetime. Belgravia gallery owners Anna Hunter and Laura Walford will be special guests during the opening weekend (September 9-11). Programming for that weekend is forthcoming. An opening celebration will take place on Friday September 9 from 6-9 pm. It is free and open to the public. Some of the artwork exhibited will be available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds going to charities as established by Belgravia Gallery, UK.

Image: The Window © Nelson Mandela, Limited edition signed lithograph, 21.5 x 19.5