Painting of dead Mandela draws outrage in S.Africa

Although Mr Nelson Mandela is still alive, a painting depicting the autopsy of his body has been displayed in a prominent market place for sale. This has resulted in a resounding uproar from the South African community, which regards Mr Nelson Mandela as a highly revered, respected politican; 'the hero of South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle'.

The painting by local artist Yuill Damaso depicts South Africa's first black president's dead body on an operating table, undergoing an autopsy as prominent South African political figures look on.

The work, which is on display in an upmarket Johannesburg shopping centre, has drawn outrage from South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC).

Shocked and disgusted, the ANC firmly stated that they severely condemn the painting, stating that it was done in "bad taste,was disrespectful, was an insult and an affront to values of (the African) society."
Much affronted, the ANC has even accused the artist of attempting witchcraft upon Mr Nelson Mandela due to his painting.
This accusation is based upon the facets of African culture and it's beliefs-black magic is rife in it's culture. It is thus not uncommon for such seemingly outlandish accusations to surface.

However, the artist has stated that his painting was supposed to be an inspirational painting; something which portrays Mr Nelson Mandela as a normal human being, stripped of his achievements and glory.

The painting by local artist Yuill Damaso depicts South Africa's first black president's dead body on an operating table, undergoing an autopsy as prominent South African political figures look on.

When queried about the reason behind his controversial artwork, he stated that he had harboured no ill intentions during the making of his painting.
"It shows Mandela's flesh and bones, which shows that he was a man, just like every one of us," the artist told the Saturday Star.
"He achieved great things by working hard, and he has so much influence on the country and the world, but the painting shows that he is just an ordinary man."

Personally, i find the reasons behind his painting inspirational, albeit gory. By portraying his subject in this manner, he has shown his audience that like us, Mr Nelson Mandela is a human being. Mr Mandela rose through the ranks fueled by his passion and fervour to make South Africa a better country. Not only did he go through much hardship, he also worked extremely hard in order to overthrow racism.
Nelson Mandela has never wavered in his devotion to democracy, equality and learning. Despite terrible provocation, he has never answered racism with racism.

'His life has been an inspiration, in South Africa and throughout the world, to all who are oppressed and deprived, to all who are opposed to oppression and deprivation'.

However, this painting should have been released at a later time. Releasing this artwork while Mr Nelson Mandela lives is disrespectful. One could even see why the ANC was grossly insulted by the innocous painting.

Although the motives behind his painting seem to be meant to be inspirational to the masses who view it, local artist Yuill Damasco should have released his painting at a less controversial date.