Blairgowrie-based artist portraits featured in the Freedom Charter Exhibition

Navan Chetty, a Blairgowrie-based artist, poured his heart and soul into the 16 iconic portraits of leaders featured in the Freedom Charter in 1955. His hard work is showcased at the Freedom Charter Exhibition on Constitution Hill.

The exhibition opened on March 21, coinciding with the Human Rights Festival, just as South Africa celebrated its 30th anniversary of democracy. Chetty’s work will be displayed until May 31.

The exhibit is a stirring display of meticulously crafted portraits, paying homage to the visionary leaders who played pivotal roles in the genesis of the Freedom Charter. It served as a beacon of inspiration during the struggle against apartheid and laid the foundation for the development of the progressive South African Constitution.

It features iconic leaders, including Walter Sisulu, Lillian Ngoyi, Albert Luthuli, and Helen Joseph, among others. These leaders, from diverse backgrounds, united to articulate a shared vision of democracy and equality for all South Africans.

Explaining how the idea came about, Chetty said that he painted a portrait of Albert Luthuli whom he admires very much. His colleagues and friends at that time then encouraged him to paint more portraits.

“I started researching because I did not want to do Mandela as it is too obvious and opportunistic. Artists just do it to commercialise it. I wanted to do something with a little bit more meaning to South Africans and through research I realised that there was a whole group of people including Luthuli who were key to the formation of the Freedom Charter. There is information about them in history and online but I thought in an artistic way nobody has done anything. I thought it will be great to select them and paint them to say thank you.”

He added that he chose the 16 based on how much they were involved and also based on their images. “I am an artist, and when I saw some of the photographs just the way they look and the energy I felt made me select them and I ended up with these. What is interesting is that they all show similar qualities of leadership which is very important. All of them are at the highest level of integrity, absolute dedication to the cause and selflessness.”

The exhibition seeks to ignite dialogue and reflection on the essential attributes of effective leadership as the nation navigates its future.

Navan Chetty, known for his commitment to presenting history as a living subject, said, “In painting these portraits, I felt the power of the words of the Freedom Charter. My aim is that everyone can look at this body of work and find personal resonance, to remember the legacy that we have been gifted.”

The exhibit is perfectly timed to coincide with Human Rights Month in March and the upcoming national election in May 2024. It offers an opportunity for visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and affiliations to engage with South Africa’s rich history and contemplate its implications for the present and future.

Chetty added we are at the point in the country where things are not good and the exhibition allows us to look back to see what these great leaders did in difficult times and what lessons can be learned and implemented now.

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