ART STANDS AS A LEGACY,

INSPIRING GENERATIONS

This curation consists of a series of portrait paintings created with the intent to recognise, celebrate and honour the visionary leaders who played a pivotal role in the creation, writing and founding of the Freedom Charter.

“As we enter our 30th year of democracy in South Africa, and in the preceding months to a most significant national election, the timing of this exhibition in March 2024 is critical.

Its importance lies not only in its historic and artistic value but also in its value in providing a platform for discussion for all citizens of our country. It urges a moment to reflect on our past, contemplate our current challenges, and act decisively for a better future for the next generation of South Africans…”

NAVAN CHETTY

Exhibition

OVERVIEW

This series of portraits has been meticulously crafted to acknowledge and celebrate these iconic leaders who played an integral role in the genesis of the Freedom Charter. This groundbreaking document, authored in 1955, delineated the collective vision, hopes, and aspirations of the South African populace for their future democracy. It served as a wellspring of inspiration to millions during the struggle against apartheid and subsequently served as the foundational cornerstone for the development of the South African Constitution, acclaimed as one of the most progressive in the world.

The sixteen individuals responsible for facilitating and drafting the charter hailed from diverse racial, political, and religious backgrounds. They united with a common purpose: to establish the underpinnings of a democratic South Africa, upon which an inclusive and prosperous nation for all citizens could be constructed. While some of these leaders attained widespread recognition and remain firmly entrenched in the public consciousness, others may have receded into obscurity, their contributions unknown to recent generations of South Africans.

This exhibition, for the first time, assembles these iconic leaders on a single platform, rekindling their historical significance and providing an aesthetic appreciation of the visionary leaders who have shaped our nation.

Collection of

Portraits

This exhibition officially opened on Human Rights Day 2024, a media event with guests across academic, political and social circles attending.

This first showing of the series is a collaboration with Constitutional Hill and was part of their Human Rights Festival. The exhibition is currently open to the public and has been extended to show until 31 May 2024 in this space.

The paintings may be viewed in the “Number 4” section of the original prison, using the ungentrified communal prison cells as a gallery space.

Crafted in oil on canvas, these expansive portraits are designed to artfully resurrect iconic figures within the evocative framework of black and white photography from a bygone era.

This effect is meticulously achieved through the application of a palette encompassing a spectrum of black, white, and grey hues and tones.

Walter Sisulu

OIL ON CANVAS 1200 x 1500

Walter Max Ulyate Sisulu (1912–2003), a pivotal ANC member, transformed it into a mass-based organization. Despite bans, he led clandestine efforts, notably shaping the Freedom Charter Campaign. Sisulu's leadership ensured the Charter reflected the aspirations of South Africans, despite health-related retirement in 1994.

Lilian Ngoyi

OIL ON CANVAS 1500 x 1200

Lilian Masediba Ngoyi (1911–1980), a revered anti-apartheid activist, was known as the "Mother of the Black Resistance." As President of the ANC Women's League and Vice-President of FEDSAW, she mobilized women for social change. Ngoyi's advocacy mirrored the ideals of the Freedom Charter, solidifying her legacy in the struggle against apartheid.

Alan Lipman

OIL ON CANVAS 1200 x 1500

Alan Robert Lipman (1925-2013), an architect and political activist, joined the CPSA in 1948 and the ANC in 1955. Revered as the "Father of Freedom Charter," his collaboration with his wife, Beata Lipman, who wrote the original Charter, was instrumental in shaping South Africa's Constitution.

Ismail Cachalia

OIL ON CANVAS 1200 x 900

Moulvi Ismail Ahmed Cachalia (1908 - 2003), known as "Moulvi," was a prominent leader in South African political activism. As head of the Transvaal Indian Congress and ANC, he played a significant role in drafting the Freedom Charter. Cachalia's contributions helped shape the document's democratic vision for South Africa.

Beata Lipman

OIL ON CANVAS 1200 x 1500

Beata Lipman (1928-2013), a prominent activist and journalist, tirelessly fought apartheid, advocating non-violent resistance. Despite persecution, she penned the original Freedom Charter. Lipman's legacy as a champion of social change continues to inspire South Africans in the struggle for justice and equality.

JB Marks

OIL ON CANVAS 1200 x 900

John Beaver Marks (1903-1972), a key ANC and SACP figure, unified workers for South Africa's liberation. As president of various organizations, including the Transvaal ANC and AMWU, he led the Defiance Campaign. Marks's ability to mobilize diverse workers exemplified his commitment to national liberation and social emancipation.

Pixely Ka Seme

OIL ON CANVAS 1200 x 1500

Pixley ka Isaka Seme (1881-1951) was a South African lawyer and founding member of the ANC precursor. His advocacy for equality and justice laid the groundwork for the Freedom Charter, despite its adoption after his active involvement. Seme's vision for a democratic, inclusive South Africa influenced the Charter's principles.

Lionel Bernstein

OIL ON CANVAS 1200 x 1500

Lionel "Rusty" Bernstein (1920-2002) was an architect, writer, and political activist. As a key figure in the South African Communist Party, he co-authored the Freedom Charter's opening slogan, imbuing it with purpose. Detained during emergencies, he continued highlighting apartheid's injustices, remaining influential in post-apartheid politics.

James Phillips

OIL ON CANVAS 1200 x 1200

James Madhlope Phillips (1919-1987) was a musician and activist. Elected Chairperson of the Garment Workers Union in 1940, he co-founded the Transvaal Council of Non-European Trade Unions and later helped draft the Freedom Charter as a COD representative. Phillips played a vital role in shaping South Africa's labour and political landscape.

James Moroka

OIL ON CANVAS 1200 x 900

James Sebe Moroka (1892-1985), a Medical Doctor and ANC President championed nonviolent resistance and unity among South Africans for equality. As President-General, he oversaw the Congress of the People where the Freedom Charter was adopted, shaping its vision for a democratic, non-discriminatory South Africa.

Helen Joseph

OIL ON CANVAS 1200 x 900

Helen Beatrice Joseph (1905-1992), a prominent anti-apartheid activist, dedicated to fighting for democracy and equality. As a founding member of the Congress of Democrats and the Federation of South African Women, she played a key role in the Freedom Charter's proclamation in Kliptown in 1955. Her leadership and advocacy continue to inspire generations.

Yusuf Dadoo

OIL ON CANVAS 1500 x 1200

Yusuf Mohamed Dadoo (1909-1983), a medical doctor and anti-apartheid activist, chaired the South African Indian Congress and the Communist Party. He advocated cooperation with the ANC and played a pivotal role in drafting and promoting the Freedom Charter. Dadoo's unwavering commitment to liberation and equality defined his contributions to the struggle.

Ruth First

OIL ON CANVAS 1200 x 900

Heloise Ruth First (1925-1982) was a journalist, academic, and political activist. She exposed apartheid's injustices through investigative journalism and co-founded the Progressive Students League. Though not directly involved in drafting, she mobilized support for the Freedom Charter. Her advocacy for freedom and equality significantly advanced the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.

Albert Luthuli

OIL ON CANVAS 1200 x 900

Chief Albert John Luthuli (1898-1967), President-General of the ANC from 1952-1967, was a highly esteemed African leader. Though not directly involved in drafting, he mobilized support for the Freedom Charter's principles, advocating its adoption as a guiding document in the anti-apartheid movement.

ZK Mathews

OIL ON CANVAS 1200 x 1500

Zachariah Keodirileng Matthews (1901-1968), a renowned academic, served as Botswana's first ambassador to the USA and UN. Joining the ANC in 1940, he played a key role in drafting the Freedom Charter in 1955. Matthews' multidisciplinary expertise and political engagement significantly influenced the Charter's formulation.

Trevor Huddleston

OIL ON CANVAS 1200 x 1500

Ernest Urban Trevor Huddleston (1913-1998), an Anglican bishop and trade unionist, contributed to the Freedom Charter's drafting, representing workers' interests. His advocacy for social justice and labour rights shaped the Charter's economic principles, highlighting labour movements' role in apartheid's struggle for equity and democracy.

ABOUT THE

ARTIST

Navan Chetty initially pursued studies in Architecture at the University of KwaZulu Natal before shifting his academic focus to Fine Arts, with a specialisation in painting and printmaking, at the Durban University of Technology. Subsequently, he secured a prestigious artist-in-residence position at the renowned Printmaking Workshop in New York, where he spent a year honing his artistic talents.

Presently, Navan Chetty works as a television director, with a primary emphasis on the production of programs spanning the realms of arts, educational content, and documentary filmmaking. In recent years, he has rekindled his engagement with painting, aiming to leverage his wealth of experience in photography, film, and the visual arts to create fine art masterpieces.

“From my earliest journey into art, photography, writing, producing and directing, my vision and focus on my work is about history as LIVING. In painting these portraits, I felt the power of the words of the Freedom Charter. My aim is that everyone can look at this body of work and find personal resonance, to remember the legacy that we have been gifted.

We find ourselves at a pivotal juncture concerning leadership within our nation. After three decades of democratic governance, a prevailing sentiment of disillusionment and scepticism has emerged regarding the capacity of our elected officials to propel the nation forward.

This prompts us to ponder the essential attributes of an effective leader and whether individuals possessing such qualities exist among us. Perhaps we should turn to our historical legacy to discern the attributes we should insist upon from those who guide us in the present day…”

NAVAN CHETTY

Partnerships and

Collaborations

We are interested in exploring potential collaborations and partnerships with educational institutions, museums, and corporations to host this series and bring it to a wider audience. By partnering with various organizations, we can collectively amplify the message of unity and equality that the Freedom Charter embodies. Reflecting on the leadership traits of these sixteen struggle heroes may also encourage discussion on leadership, and inspire our next generation of leaders.

As an artist, I believe that art has the power to transcend boundaries and connect people from all walks of life. We believe that showcasing this series in different venues and settings can spark meaningful conversations and reflections on the history and values enshrined in the Freedom Charter. It can also serve as a powerful educational tool for students, visitors, and employees to learn more about our country’s past struggles and triumphs.

We are open to discussing potential opportunities for collaboration and are committed to working closely with partners to ensure a successful and impactful exhibition. Together, we can create a thought-provoking and memorable experience for all who engage with this series.

Together, we can:

Develop educational programs and workshops, integrating art and history for students and communities
Host panel discussions, lectures, and events, exploring the Charter’s significance and relevance today
Create interactive experiences, incorporating technology and immersive storytelling
Offer exclusive viewing opportunities and networking events for your stakeholders and clients
Collaborate on marketing and outreach initiatives, amplifying our collective impact

This partnership will not only enrich your audience’s cultural experience but also demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility, diversity, and inclusion. Let us work together to bring this poignant exhibition to new spaces, inspiring reflection, conversation, and action.

START THE

CONVERSATION

Your thoughts matter to us! Feel free to reach out. Check out our contact details below, or simply fill out our quick contact form.

Deeno Naidoo | +27 76 316 6788 | dream@11eleven.co.za