The House of Mandela has recently announced an exclusive collection of apparel that intertwines clothing and art- specifically Nelson Mandela’s art.
The ‘Struggle Series’
“In July 2001, Nelson Mandela sketched a series of five humble images.” writes House of Mandela Art. These were images that he felt captured of his life. The sketches were completed in charcoal.
Of his sketches, Mandela wrote:
“These sketches are not so much about my life as they are about my own country. I drew hands because they are powerful instruments, hands can hurt or heal, punish or uplift. They can also be bound, but a quest for righteousness can never be repressed. In time, we broke open the shackles of injustice, we joined hands across social divides and national boundaries, between continents and over oceans. And now we look to the future, knowing that even if age makes us wiser guides, it is the youth that reminds us of love, of trust, and the value of life.”
Teaming up with Represent, a clothing brand dedicated to showing the world what one stands for, The House of Mandela presents the original humble charcoal drawings in a different medium, being that of hoodies and T-shirts.
According to the house of Mandela, the collection will include interpretations of two of the drawings from the Struggle Series, including ‘Struggle’ and ‘Freedom’ pieces, to allow people to showcase Mandela’s legacy, a far more honest kind.
According to House of Mandela, This collection exemplifies the constant battle to “be strong and stay true to oneself in the face of adversity.”
In a time where brands and people showcase more freedom of expression than ever, with activists faces, words and ideas are woven into the threads of today’s apparel, it is not surprising that Mandela’s legacy has been reimagined in a more raw way.
Hopefully, the initiative will serve as a reminder of the hardships Madiba overcame, and may the clothes be worn with an insight into the hands that sketched their artworks.
The full range can be looked at here.
Picture: Represent