MATTHEW Willman, the commissioned photographer for the Nelson Mandela Foundation, has waited more than 10 years to share his work with the world.
The talented photographer who hails from the Highway area, said his book launch on Tuesday 22 April will be about him engaging with his own community for the first time since he began working for the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Matthew released the book, We call him Madiba, a 10 year photographic journey earlier this month.
He said his book features a photo essay about Madiba that he was never allowed to share with anyone other than the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Matthew said his book focuses on two parts, first its a memory book about what his journey has been with Nelson Mandela and secondly it can be seen as a history book for youngsters to know the history behind Madiba.
Matthew said his Madiba story began when he used to run off into the bushes of Robben Island and not follow the tour party to get closer to life on the island. He used the excuse that he was photographing the wildlife on the island, but in reality all he wanted was to get images that told a photographic story from the cells, quarries and the prison settings that had dominated Nelson Mandela’s life for 27 years.
“I wanted to feel it, experience the pain and hardship for myself through the lens of my camera,” said Matthew.
He submitted his photo essay to the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and after a while received a response to meet with Madiba. However, the Nelson Mandela Foundation never knew he was a local lad from Pinetown who travelled regularly to photograph Mandela, only to return to his evening job as a waiter at the Langoustines Restaurant in Sarnia, Pinetown.
Matthew went to Sarnia Primary School and matriculated at Thomas More College. He studied photography at Natal Technikon (now DUT), majored in advertising and documentary and graduated in 2001.
Matthew is urging the community to please support the book launch at Hillcrest High School on Tuesday 22 April at 6pm, as proceeds from the sale of the book go towards the Matthew Willman Visual Arts Foundation, which is a scholarship fund set up by his foundation.
Entry to the book launch is R20 at the door. The book will be retailing at R320. Contact Mrs White on 031 765 1215 to confirm your attendance. The book is also available online at www.mwvaf.org, click on buy the book, or you can email: matthew@willman.co.za.
Matthew has also documented his work of the world’s largest NGO’s such as the World Health Organisation, Oxfam International, the European Commission, Robben Island Museums and the Royal Ballet School in London.
He leaves for Colonge, Germany for his biggest exhibition titled SA Heritage Collection after the book launch.
The exhibition opens on 28 April and closes on 10 June. The 30-piece exhibition is part of South Africa’s 20-year celebration.
