Dream come true: Young visual artist strikes a deal with Porsche

As a kid growing up in dusty rural Modimolle in Limpopo, Nelson Makamo built wire cars… and dreamed big dreams.

One day, he vowed, I will own that beautiful Porsche 911.

But it’s a long way out of poverty to the wheel of a slick German supercar… and Makamo had only his love for art to equip him for the journey. But his mother was his rock and inspiration, keeping the faith and telling him repeatedly he could be successful through art.

Today, his dream has come true. He is a world-renowned visual artist with an impressive list of clients, including international celebrities and private collectors.

One of his works featured on the cover of Time magazine under the banner “The art of optimism – 34 people who are changing how we see the world”.

While based and working in Franschhoek in the Western Cape, Makamo was stopped dead in his tracks in the streets of the town when, a modern day Porsche 911 burbled past, transporting him back to the moment he first saw its earlier evocation and which was the start of his big dream.

Mesmerised, from an artistic point of view, by the classic design of the 911 and how it has evolved over the years while still staying true to the DNA of the original from 1963, Makamo realised he could now fulfil that childhood wish.

It wasn’t long before he starting talking to Porsche South Africa about how he could personalise the Porsche he was getting, using his unique artistic style.

And working closely with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur – the German company’s arm which makes one-of-a-kind vehicles to personal order – Makamo decided that his 911 would become a moving canvas featuring selected hand-painted elements.

In the process, the base piece of automotive art has evolved into a motivational artwork.

The Porsche 911 – affectionately called “My Life in Motion” by Makamo – is an eye-catching, Jet Black Metallic Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe, featuring the artist’s signature accents, which include a hand-painted rear bumper panel, as well as side mirror covers, seat backs and interior trim panels.

Makamo strongly believes each person’s success results from a community or collective working together. He attributes his personal success to the various people he has met throughout his life – either through everyday interactions or through his work as an artist and of course, the diverse people he has met through his travels around the world.

“Your existence is not only a blessing to your family, but it’s a blessing to a whole lot of communities,” he says.

This project encouraged Makamo to reflect on his personal journey, recalling the various individuals that had an impact on his life.

Doing so, he was able to portray his belief in community through the depictions painted on the car.

This community has no race, age, gender or geographical origin, representing an international collective of individuals.

“What better way to summarise my journey through life than by putting it in a form of collectives?

“We are at a point in time in the world where we are slowly moving into one culture because we care about each other as people more than anything. I want you to see yourself on the car,” Makamo says, looking at the rear bumper panel featuring a large crowd of people.

“This 911 is meant to inspire anyone to believe that they can succeed through their passion”.

The left side door panel insert subtly bears the inscription “Mma”, purposely only visible when the door of the 911 is open.

These three letters mean “Mother” in Sepedi, his home language, and are a dedication to his mother, the first artwork on which he has ever mentioned her.

With this subtle, yet deeply meaningful acknowledgement, Makamo pays tribute to his mother who supported him throughout his life.

The process was painstaking. At his studio in the heart of Johannesburg, Makamo hand-painted selected parts of the car.

These were then taken back to Porsche Centre Johannesburg to be lacquer coated and assembled.

Makamo is humbled by his success.

“I always knew I was going to own a Porsche, I just never knew that my relationship with the brand would start this way – and it’s only the beginning.”

The project took weeks to complete and Makamo enjoyed every moment. There was no brief – it was entirely his story to tell – the story of a young man who chose to believe that he can succeed.

Toby Venter, CEO of Porsche SA, said the project has provided great motivation: “Working with Nelson has been inspirational and this commission is on a level we’ve never seen before.

This is a truly bespoke art installation worthy of any gallery.”