Reflections of a struggle

A collection of nine paintings depicting the legacy of Chief Albert Luthuli has returned home, to the Luthuli Museum.
The Luthuli Collection, fine art painted by world-acclaimed artist Ronald Harrison, was handed to the museum by Durban businessman Vivian Reddy on Friday.
Reddy bought the collection after Luthuli’s daughter, Dr Albertina Luthuli expressed her wish to have them remain in South Africa.
It includes the pieces African Renaissance, African Madonna, A New Tomorrow, Mother of Africa, Child of Africa, Born Free, Wings of Love and Footprints to Freedom.
Harrison received global recognition for his controversial 1962 painting ‘The Black Christ’ (currently in the South African National Gallery), which showed Luthuli as Jesus Christ during the crucifixion with then National Party prime minister Hendrik Verwoed and justice minister John Vorster as the persecutors.
Harrison passed away in 2011 after a battle with cancer.
Albertina Luthuli recalled meeting Harrison in Cape Town, when she was still a member of parliament.
“He said my father’s eyes spoke to him, they moved him. He risked much to visit my father during a banning order many years ago, so my father was an inspiration to him. He was brutally tortured by the Apartheid regime but he fought. I do not have words to thank him.”
She said the paintings mark the beginning of a new dawn.
“I am so grateful these paintings are being kept at home. A new era is coming. Look into the future.”
Reddy thanked Albertina Luthuli for allowing him to be a part of history. He also thanked Harrison’s niece Desirée and her husband Derek, present at the event.
“These incredible images show life the way Chief Luthuli would have seen it. The paintings are now at home, where they belong.”
Luthuli Museum board chairman Jabulani Sithole said the paintings would enhance the museum’s ability to tell Luthuli’s story.