“The Gift of Love” by Dr. Michael Durst
In honour of a great man, “The Gift of Love” is an inspirational painting with a message of brotherhood and love.
This work, by artist, Dr. Michael Durst, shows Nelson Mandela being crowned with a halo of love by Afra, the first Black Ascended Master. This highly emotional piece displays the respect and honoring of a great man, who has brought love and peace to people the world over.
When Afra ascended, he asked to be called simply a brother, or “frater” in Latin. And so “a frater” quickly became shortened to the name “Afra” and the continent is called Africa in his honor. To this day, Africans the world over refer to each other and even strangers as “brother” and “sister.” So it is so appropriate for Afra to have crowned Mandela because he became the symbol of forgiveness and brotherhood.
This painting depicts the moment of transcendence in which Nelson Mandela, the man, became Nelson Mandela, the symbol of brotherhood, love, peace, unity and forgiveness for the rest of humanity. Durst wanted to capture that profound instant, which has had an impact world wide. The unity of the various groups in South Africa, many of which have been at war with one another, is illustrated by showing all of the words for “love” in each of the official South African languages. Mandela's "African Renaissance," which he symbolized when he became President of South Africa, is depicted in the renaissance style of the painting itself. The powerful, yet gentle Afra, is frozen in time, just as the halo is being placed above the beloved Mandela's head, heralding that he has indeed transcended his humanity. The painting is named “The Gift of Love” which is appropriate for the South African man who walked to freedom not only onto the world stage, but into the hearts of millions.
On offer is a canvas limited edition which has been hand-embossed, with paint and varnish by the artist, creating a one-of-a-kind piece of art . You save half the listed price charged in galleries in the U.S. and South Africa, since it is direct from the artist.
About the Artist: The artist, Dr. Michael Durst, is a psychologist, who has written books and developed seminars based on the concept of taking total responsibility rather than blaming past circumstances or events. He was invited to South Africa first in 1985 by King Goodwill Zwelithini and Dr. Buthelezi, leaders of the Zulu Nation. Soon other national leaders wanted him to deliver his message to South Africa as well. He came to work with government and corporate leaders in 1990. In 1993, Dr. Durst had the opportunity of working with President Mandela when he was asked to collaborate with the Secretary General’s office of the African National Congress to provide the philosophy of leadership for the New South Africa a year later when in 1994 the first democratic election was held. Since then, he had a burning desire to give back to the man who has given so much to the world. In this painting, he wanted to create the dignity and yet humanness of President Mandela as he waves and smiles to all of us, while being crowned with Love.
Reviews:
ART FOR THE HEART by Hilary Benjamin, The Atlantic Sun, September, 2007
WHEN ART AND MATHS ADD UP by Wendyl Martin, The Argus, November 2011
Exhibitions:
2004-2006 Sun International Gallery, Cape Town
2008- The Blue Dolphin Gallery in the Netherlands
2009-Perspectives of Reality- Ico Gallery, New York
2010- "The Rhythmic Figure" Ico Gallery, New York
2011-Seven Wonders of the World" Machu Picchu Gallery, India
2011-Classic Art Gallery, Waterfront Cape Town
2012-Cape Professional Artists-Kirstenbosch Garden, Cape Town
2012-Picturesque Gallery-Cape Town
2012-Gallery Africa-Waterfront- Cape Town
2012-The Bay Gallery at the Bay Hotel in Camps Bay, Cape Town
2012-Le Franschhoek Gallery, Franschhoek, near Cape Town
2013-Gallery Africa, Cape Town
2014-Gallery Africa, Cape Town
Solo Exhibitions:
2007-Heartscapes of the Cape- Eclectic Gallery, Cape Town
2008-Postcards from the Heart of Cape Town-Table Bay Hotel, Cape Town
2009-Magical Moments in Sea Point-Eclectic Gallery, Cape Town
2011-The Wonders of Fractal Art-Eclectic Gallery, Cape Town
2012-Best of Show-Winchester Mansions, Cape Town
Books:
2010-Cape Town Heartscapes- the works of Dr. Michael Durst
2011-The Wonders of Fractal Art
