Nelson Mandela is internationally recognized for his compassion, advocacy, and revolutionary political and peace-making efforts. Lesser known about Mandela's life is his foray into the arts in the years before his death - in which he documented, among other things, his 18 years of imprisonment at Robben Island. Mandela wrote inspirational texts to describe many of his drawings -- drawings which were published as lithographs during Mandela's lifetime and signed by him. In his Artist’s Motivation for his first series of work, Mandela wrote, "...even the most fantastic dreams can be achieved if we are prepared to endure life's challenges."  

Long-Sharp Gallery was profoundly honored to continue our exhibition of works by Nelson Mandela in our New York Project Space. (following a smashing showcase at our Indianapolis gallery). "Nelson Mandela: The Artist" featured drawings and lithographs by the indelible Nelson Mandela, alongside photographs by renowned photographers Jurgen Schadeberg and Greg Bartley.  The exhibit was presented in partnership with Belgravia Gallery (Mayfair, UK) who worked with Mandela on this project during his lifetime.