World-famous artist’s Mandela painting displayed in Welties
"I am honoured to honour Tata Mandela for being at the forefront of this era, we have much to be grateful for as South Africans and leaders who have set an example"
It is often said that art gives a feeling of joy and boosts a good mood; it is an expression that fosters the feeling of relaxation, creativity, and inspiration.
Community members walking or driving down Snelskaats Street in Weltevreden Park experience a feeling of warmth when passing a beautiful painting of Nelson Mandela that stands in front of world-famous artist John Adams’s house.
According to John, when he was in Standard 8 (Grade 6) he realised that the schooling he had was not sufficient as it didn’t have art as a subject due to apartheid.
“When Mandela was released it was the advent of a new dispensation for not just schooling i.e. the arts, but freedom to be whatever you want to be.
“This mindset shift was the starting point that it truly seems impossible till it’s done, thanks to the fathers and mothers of democracy. Becoming an artist was empowered to a larger easier extent.
“I am honoured to honour Tata Mandela for being at the forefront of this era. We have much to be grateful for South Africans and leaders who have set an example,” said John.
John was raised in Bosmont, he lived in Dublin for 10 years and did two art residencies – one in Wales and another in Croatia.
“Here my love, appreciation and understanding of arts were heightened. After doing a number of shows in Ireland we came home and I have religiously been in pursuit of further establishing the arts and being a creative,” added John.
According to John, art as a voice is a dynamic which when exercised spurs us on to magnify the core of us not just being artist but being a complete being.
“It’s not an aspect of artist, it’s who we are; not something we operate in but that which we continually live through.
“This mindful state rich in purpose and passion is to be toiled and watered to consistently be fruitful,” said John.
When asked about the work he is currently busy with, John revealed to the Northsider that his new studio both at Le Amen School and August House is abuzz with new work. Bookings can be made for art classes and expressive workshopping.
