Zapiro at the Slave Lodge (11 Feb - 18 April, 2010)

"Drawing on Madiba" is a professionally curated exhibition of cartoons by Jonathan Shapiro (Zapiro) currently on show at the Iziko Slave Lodge complimenting the greater exhibition entitled "Mandela - Leader, Comrade, Negotiator, Prisoner, Statesman" at the same venue.

The two exhibitions, which will run concurrently through to April 18th, pay tribute to Nelson Mandela on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of his release from prison. In opening the exhibition on the eve of that anniversary, fellow struggle icon Ahmed Kathrada spoke of Mandela's keen sense of humour which is so often self-depreciating.

In his keynote speech their comrade and notable businessman Cyril Ramaphosa spoke fondly of an occasion when fellow prisoner Walter Sisulu was allowed to visit Mandela in hospital the patient left his guest to believe he was getting tipsy on the sparkling drink he was offered - which was in fact pure Appletiser. The visitor returned to prison to tell the inmates how their leader was being fed with Champaign while in hospital!

Zapiro's cartoons reflect Mandela's charm and humour, and tell of many highlights and lowlights in the subject's life. Of special interest is the collection of coloured cartoons that were prepared for the book "The Mandela Files" and a display of working drawings that show the development of some of the cartoons.

Iziko Slave Lodge (corner Wale and Adderly Streets, Cape Town) ,is open Monday - Saturday, 10h00 - 17h00. Admission is R15 for Adults and R5 for children, scholars, students and pensioners.

Posted on Feb 11, 2010 by John Curtis