 "Photo: Courtesy NCCU Art Museum")
 "Photo: Courtesy NCCU Art Museum")
When most people think of Nelson Mandela, they may associate words like South Africa and apartheid. But few may know that Nelson Mandela is also an artist.
N.C. Central University is currently hosting: "Spirit of Freedom: Drawings and Narrative from Nelson Mandela Imprisonment at Robben Island."
The exhibit features about 20 sketches of various views of Robben Island where Mandela spent 18 out of 27 years in prison.
"It has been such a great turn out," said Christine Perry art production specialist.
"The first day of the exhibit I put out 100 brochures, after they ran out I began to put batches of 50 out, now I am on my fifth batch," she said.
The lithographs in the museum are owned by CBC President and CEO Jim Goodman who loaned them to NCCU for the art exhibit.
"It's stuff that I have never seen before" said sophomore Tameeka Bullock, early childhood.
In 2002 Mandela was inspired to draw his collection to raise money for to support the fight against AIDS/HIV.
Mandela received tutoring in art from Varenke Pascke, a young contemporary South African artist who trained Mandela in the use of color and composition.
"It has been a phenomenal exhibit, it has been a steady visitorship since it has opened," said Kenneth Rogers, director of the NCCU Art Museum.
"The students are excited and interest. I haven't seen this in a while," he said.
"I think people are amazed to learn Nelson Mandela made art. This exhibit as been hugely successful for us."
The exhibit also accompanies Mandela's narratives that explain his experiences at Robben Island.
"In the narrative that accompanies the pieces you can see there is no hint of bitterness," said Rogers. "Not many people have that level of forgiveness."
The Mandela exhibit closes September 17. The next art exhibit, Color Balance, features paintings by modernist artist Felrath Hines. It opens September 19.
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