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Culture at the Cup
The eyes of the sport's world were on the fields of 2010 FIFA World Cup but art collectors looked forward to the art auctions - the two 2010 Legacy Fine Art Auctions and the auction of 'Africa Salutes You'. Though the auctions have taken place, the works remain on view for the public until end July 2010.
Mandela inspired, Cup theme
Africa Salutes You is a collection of 32 original artworks inspired by 20 years of one man's freedom under the African sun is in honour of the people of Mvezo, where the Mandela family chieftaincy resides and the birthplace of Nelson Mandela.
South African artist Athol Moult visualised and developed the concept and carried it out with the assistance of the children of Mvezo. The series of 32 original artworks endorsed by Nkosi Mandela and signed by Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela depict interpretations of the flags of all nations participating in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
One final signature piece, the 'World Cup Winners' awaits completion and is sure to be the jewel in the crown of the collection, as it will pay tribute to the team that eventually takes home this first African World Cup.
The project is the initiative of HRH Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela and Chief of Mvezo, who conceived the project in order to fund development initiatives in the village and surrounding areas, which currently have no running water, sanitation or recreational facilities. "It has always been the wish of my grandfather that the best way we can honour him is to develop Mvezo, the home of his ancestors", said Chief Mandela.
The collection's world debut was on Sunday 4 July 2010 at African Pride's 15 on Orange Hotel in Cape Town and was accompanied by an exclusive auction to directly assist the Mvezo community.
The collection has been reproduced in a limited edition of canvases, prints, box sets and bookplates and will be exhibited around the world over the coming months. A full set of canvas prints will remain on display at the hotel's gallery for public viewing.
Legacy auction
Introducing the first two Collections was the South African company that acquired the rights to produce fine art as Official Licensed Products of the 2010 FIFA World CupTM.
"The 2010 African Fine Art Collection comprises of more than 200 original paintings, photographs, sculptures and wood-cuts from across the African continent," said Craig Mark, MD of 2010 Fine Art. "It includes exceptional works by 22 different African artists representing nine different countries. From the exclusive footballer bronzes by Keith Calder to the 2010 Stadium Collection of photography by Dennis Guichard and the Soccer in Africa wood-cuts by Isaac Sithole - this collection uses the platform of the 2010 FIFA World Cup to showcase the depth of African fine art talent to the world."
"The 2010 International Fine Art Collection has 160 original paintings by leading contemporary artists from each of the 32 nations in the tournament and is one of the largest international fine art collaborations in recent history and features some big names such as Peter Phillips (England); Paul Goodnight (US); Charles Billich (Australia) and Hugo Marin (Chile). Many of the works in this collection are physically imposing - like 'Goal Volant' by Alexis Peskine (France) which measures almost 2 x 2.5 meters and is made up of nails, gold leaf and wood. The collection also brings together incredible artistic diversity with works from North Korea and Japan, for example, paired with images from Spain, Ghana, Brazil and of course South Africa."
The auction took place on 5 July but the collection remains at Melrose Arch until 31 July 2010 as a free public viewing for anyone interested in art, Africa or football.
