21 Icons Portrait of a Nation

Portrait of A Nation, a poignant and inspiring multi-media exhibition by 21 Icons and Mercedes-Benz South Africa, opens on Youth Day, 16 June 2014 at the Museum of African Design in the Maboneng Precinct, Johannesburg. In celebration of 20 Years of Democracy, the two-month long exhibition features portraits and short films of 21 of South Africa’s greatest social masters including Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Sophia Williams De Bruyn, Ahmed Kathrada, Nadine Gordimer and George Bizos.

The exhibition is the culmination of the first season of 21 Icons and marks the first public showing of the collection. Portrait of A Nation includes the last photographic portrait of Nelson Mandela of which a signed limited edition was sold for a record R2 million in December 2013 and donated to charity.

Visitors to the exhibition will experience an audio-visual, interactive walk-through of the original portraits and accompanying short films while accessing a 21 Icons smartphone Augmented Reality (AR) app that acts as a personal exhibition guide.

“This exhibition is the culmination of years of meticulous planning, persistent determination, craft and creative expression by all involved. Every icon has been a well of inspiration. It is a tremendous privilege to share their stories” says Harriet Pratten, Project Co-Founder and Executive Creative Director.

  • The exhibition is free to the public.
  • A list of special events during the exhibition will be release shortly.
  • School groups may contact info@moadjhb.com to schedule a guided tour.

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