Nelson Mandela Memorial

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Amnesty International has today announced that International travellers passing through Cape Town International Airport will soon be greeted by a giant tapestry in memory of global human rights defender Nelson Mandela,

The organisation, through its Art for Amnesty project, has commissioned acclaimed artist, Peter Sis, to design the giant memorial tapestry honouring Madiba. The tapestry will be unveiled on 10 December 2015, International Human Rights day.

Measuring over 6 x 3 metres, and woven by Atelier Pinton in Aubusson, France, ‘Flying Madiba’, as it is called, will be displayed in the ‘meeters and greeters’ area of the international arrivals hall of Cape Town International Airport.

The Mandela tapestry project is a partnership between Art for Amnesty and the Cape Town International Airport and is endorsed by the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Peter has been involved in backing and funding the project alongside Bono & Edge of U2, John Legend, Sting & Yoko Ono.

“We hope that this magnificent tapestry will provide a constant reminder to the millions of passengers passing beneath it of the enduring human rights legacy of Nelson Mandela, not only for South Africa but for the world,” said Art for Amnesty founder Bill Shipsey.

“‘Madiba’ was and still is an inspiration to us all. His example teaches us that we all need to take injustice personally.”

Nelson Mandela received Amnesty International’s most prestigious award, the ‘Ambassador of Conscience’ Award, in 2006.

As part of the Amnesty International press release announcing the tapestry, Peter said: “Under Apartheid, Mandela had seen his people’s extraordinary suffering. They were denied basic rights, often brutally beaten, unjustly imprisoned and murdered. Yet after 27 years in jail, he was willing to trust the humanity and idealism of his oppressors, without whom, he knew he could not achieve a peaceful transition of power and the realisation of the Rainbow Nation that was his dream. There is no other example of such inspirational leadership in my lifetime.”

“Nelson Mandela was the greatest world leader in our life time. His memory needs to be honoured now more than ever. I am so pleased to be part of this artistic tribute to a great man,” said Yoko Ono, artist, singer and peace activist.

“Madiba is an enduring inspiration to me and so many others, a shining beacon of revolution, righteousness and reconciliation,” said US singer and songwriter John Legend.

Background
Cape Town International Airport is the gateway to the beautiful Mother City. It is Airports Company South Africa’s 2nd largest and Africa’s 3rd largest airport.  It is also Africa’s premier tourist and VIP destination and has established a reputation as Africa’s international award-winning airport, consistently performing among the best in the world for service in its category.

Art for Amnesty is Amnesty International’s global artist engagement programme bringing together artists of all disciplines their management and supporters in a collaborative effort to support and promote the cause of human rights.

Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 7 million people who campaign for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all.