Nelson Mandela exhibition in Paris: from prisoner to president

To commemorate Nelson Mandela’s life, through his challenges and presidency, an exhibition of his images appeared in Paris from 29 May to 6 July 2013.

As part of the France-South Africa Seasons 2012 and 2013, in association with the Nelson Mandela Foundation and Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, the free exhibition in the Hotel de Ville celebrated Mandela’s relationship with the people of France. In addition 800 South African artists, musicians, dancers and actors will be performing in France over the two year period.

The exhibit titled “Nelson Mandela – from Prisoner to President” displays Mandela in photographs, 10 film screens, cartoons, sculptures, paintings, news reels, and posters to depict a historical account of his life. It begins with his rural upbringing and schooling in Transkei and moves to Johannesburg where he studied law. The exhibit also shows his arrest in 1962 and his imprisonment on Robben Island in 1963.

There is also a recreation of his prison cell, measuring 2 metres by 2.5 metres. Twenty-seven years later, the exhibit shows images of his release in February 1990 and the year he took office as the first democratic president in 1994.

The exhibit, with all narratives in French, show images in six themes: character, comrade, leader, prisoner, negotiator, and statesman.

In addition, from 15-21 July, to coincide with Nelson Mandela’s 95^th birthday on 18 July, the Eiffel Tower will be illuminated with a South African flag.

http://www.southafrica.info/mandela/mandela240513.htm#.UdbFwuJArIU#ixzz2YB08D5eR

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