The launch of the Blue Era Permanent Exhibition in honour of Nelson Mandela
The Castle of Good Hope will officially present the Blue Era Permanent Exhibition, celebrating Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela on Saturday.
Twelve years later, the exhibit will showcase 12 paintings, remembering Madiba’s passing in 2013.
Created and sponsored by Dr Willa Boezak, a multi-talented cleric, accomplished artist, and prolific author whose work has been seen to challenge various post-apartheid narratives in South Africa, such as indignity, identity, and theology.
Calvyn Gilfellan, CEO of the Good Hope Castle Control Board, asserted that by “bringing Nelson Mandela’s images to the Castle of Good Hope, we are promoting Mandela’s values of peace, justice and nation building.”
Gilfellan details the crucial transformation of The Castle of Good Hope from a colonial fortress to a site that reflects all South African heritages with the permanent installation of Mandela’s exhibition portfolio. The Blue Era Exhibition recognises the remarkable honour of this art collection as a “major milestone in the Castle’s decolonial journey,” Gilfellan says.
Although Madiba officially passed away on December 5, 2023, December 6 will forever be a day deeply embedded in the hearts of South Africans. It was on this day that national announcements were made, and the beginning of collective mourning took place across the nation.
As December 6 arrives, represented in memory and honour comes a powerful moment of reflection, tribute and recommitment to ensure South Africa knows Mandela’s legacy.
Dr Willa Boezak, the artist behind the collection, believes, “the importance of the permanent exhibition on the life of the late President Mandela, which reflects his sacrifices, struggles, and challenges, is needed now more than ever.”
“It serves as a reminder of what ethical leadership without corruption truly means for South Africa and the world,” Dr Willa Boezak maintains.
Embodying Mandela’s lifelong struggle against the apartheid government through the Blue Era Exhibition, his message of unity and unmatched contribution in shaping a democratic South Africa will forever be remembered and commemorated in the Castle of Good Hope.
IOL