LeRoy Neiman - President Nelson Mandela print

LEROY NEIMAN (US 1921 - 2012)

'PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA'

1997

6 COLOR SERIGRAPH ON PAPER

SHEET SIZE : 102CM X 61CM

 FRAMED SIZE : 130CM X 87CM

HAND SIGNED AND NUMEBERED IN PENCIL

CUSTOM HANDMADE FRAME

EDITION : /145

CONDITION : EXCELLENT 

"The businessman says 'If I don't do it first, somebody else will.

The artist says 'If I don't do it first, nobody else will" 

LeRoy Neiman

In 1995 Mandela initiated the establishment of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, pledging over one-third of his annual salary for five years. The goal of the fund is to assist young people who are homeless, disabled, without adequate education, or young offenders in prison or other places of safety. In December, 1997, a benefit tennis tournament was held in Johannesburg to honor Mandela and raise funds for the Children's Fund. Many of the world's top players gathered, together with thousands of political dignitaries, philanthropists and celebrities. As one of the world's leading artists, LeRoy Neiman was invited to make his contribution to the benefit in the form of an official portrait of Mandela. True to his world class stature, Neiman created something truly unique, painting not on canvas, but directly on a South African flag. The artist personally presented his flag painting to President Mandela. The work was immediately hailed as a stirring and poignant masterpiece. The original was donated to the Children's Fund, and the tennis players were each given a limited edition print.

LeRoy Neiman (1921-2012) was a renowned American artist and painter, celebrated for his vibrant, expressive depictions of sports, entertainment, and city life. Known as the "Artist of the People," Neiman's work captured the energy and dynamism of modern life. He was a longtime contributor to Playboy magazine and created iconic artwork for numerous Olympic Games, Super Bowls, and other high-profile events. Neiman's bold, stylized paintings blend elements of Pop Art, Impressionism, and Expressionism, making him one of the most popular and recognizable artists of his generation.

LeRoy Neiman's illustrious career was also marked by a significant encounter and subsequent friendship with President Nelson Mandela. In 1994, Neiman traveled to South Africa to create artworks documenting the country's historic transition to democracy. During this time, he met President Mandela, and the two formed a lasting bond. Neiman went on to create several portraits of Mandela, capturing the leader's warmth, wisdom, and resilience. Their friendship was built on mutual respect and a shared passion for art, justice, and humanity. Neiman's artworks inspired by Mandela serve as a testament to their enduring connection and the power of art to transcend boundaries and inspire positive change.