New mural honours Madiba’s legacy
According to MacFly, the mural was a way to spread hope following the unrest in KZN and other parts of the province.
A MURAL of former President and Noble Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela, on Problem Mkhize Road, is winning the hearts of Durbanites.
Painted by artist, Marti MacFly, the mural includes a portrait of Tata Madiba with the poignant words of Mandela “The heroes are those that make peace and build”. According to MacFly, the mural was a way to spread hope following the unrest in KZN and other parts of the province.
Artists Giffy Duminy and Young Dave said the idea for the mural started when they stood with cups of coffees in their hand on Mandela Day, trying to find the right quote that not only captured the essence of Madiba’s timeless virtues but also spoke of the unrest they had just witnessed. The artists started with the mural on Mandela Day, July 18, and completed the project within three days.
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“The quote we chose, painted in an uplifting colour scheme and a classic 1960’s ‘peace and love’ style type, speaks directly of the bravery to move towards considered action towards a betterment of nation and nation-building in general,” said Duminy.
He said the piece is a strong statement of intent towards a brighter future based on a strong moral foundation envisioned by the father of our nation. It was also influenced deeply by the spirit that Mandela Day serves to create.
“If he were here; his magic, sense of empathy, and grace under pressure would have quelled disruption and our nation would be heading on a path towards greater prosperity. The energy of the day was heightened by incredibly positive feedback from onlookers; hooting from their cars, endless thumbs-ups, and compliments shouted from the nearby traffic lights. It was moving, empowering, and unifying to be creating important, aptly timed public work for all to see and enjoy,” added Duminy.
Speaking about the piece, activist and Berea resident Deez Ahmed, from the Everything Musgrave Facebook page, said the artwork was uplifting.
He added that many people have since stopped to take a selfie with the new mural which has gained the interest of the community.
When asked about the recent looting and unrest during Mandela month, Ahmed said, “It is such a pity that on his birthday the country had to experience the riots. We are the rainbow nation, we have come out of the old apartheid. We shouldn’t be sitting in this situation. At the moment, it is very sad and I feel sorry for the youth of this country. Instead of moving forward, we are going backwards.”
Follow the talented artists on Facebook and Instagram : Instagram: @giffyartist and @_marti.macfly_.
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