Nelson Mandela's unseen drawings go online via WeTransfer

WePresent, the art and creativity platform of file-sharing company WeTransfer, has unveiled a series of previously unseen drawings by Nelson Mandela (1918–2013) to mark the centenary of his birth. The works, created after Mandela retired from political life in 1999, are inspired by his personal history and reflect values of freedom, equality, and justice. Mandela used charcoal and pastels, drawing on memories of Qunu, the village where he grew up, and Robben Island, where he was imprisoned for 18 years. The series 'Homeland' (2002–2003) is shown for the first time, inspired by the peace of Qunu. Another series, 'Struggles', uses hand gestures to narrate his life: a closed fist for revolutionary activities, fists in handcuffs for imprisonment, breaking chains for release, and a child's hand for a better future. Mandela said, 'I chose hands because they can hurt or heal, punish or elevate.' According to House of Mandela, the leader's early works were inspired by John Lennon. High-resolution digital copies of the drawings are sold for $10 each by House of Mandela. The online exhibition also includes an interview with Makaziwe Mandela and desktop wallpapers based on his drawings.