Durban – Artist Dr Nanda Soobben has unveiled his peace mural in Chatsworth at last after it was put on hold by the fourth wave of Covid-19.
On Friday, Soobben unveiled the mural outside the Aryan Benevolent Home (ABH).
Dr Gcina Mhlophe and Judge Navi Pillay were among those who attended the event.
Speaking at the unveiling, Soobben thanked the ABH for rebuilding the wall that became his canvas.
“The ABH is one of the finest institutions of humanity in South Africa. That peace mural is reflective of that humanity. They take care of people’s lives in this place, and if you don’t have that humanity you go on killing each other, that’s why that mural is so reflective,” Soobben said.
He said the mural spoke for itself.
Alongside a video taken by Gift of the Givers, it said: “The unveiling of the peace mural featuring Indian and black leaders has been created with the aim of restoring social cohesion between the two communities amidst July 2021 civil unrest.”
“The mural features the likes of Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Gift of the Givers founder Imtiaz Sooliman and legendary storyteller Gcina Mhlophe, among others.”
Soobben was applauded for his fine art.
Lubna Nadvi said: “Was really honoured to attend the unveiling of the peace mural at the entrance of the Aryan Benevolent Home painted by the very talented Nanda Soobben. It features some of the most iconic figures in our history. This includes the co-founders of the Advice Desk for the Abused, Judge Navi Pillay and Dr Anshu Padayachee. Very important insights from all the speakers reminding us why peace is worth fighting for and why we need to maintain it.”
Natalie Rungan said: “A truly humbling experience to be amongst giants who exude such wisdom, grace, knowledge, experience and empathy for humankind. #thankful #peacemural #aryanbenevolenthome”
Sue Raju said: “Yesterday (Friday) we were blessed and honoured to be part of a historic day as Nanda Soobben’s peace mural was unveiled at the ABH in Chatsworth. Was an awesome experience to be in a room with distinguished guests like Dr Gcina Mhlope, Judge Navi Pillay, Prof Ashwin Desai, Natalie Rungan and the A-list goes on … To our very own legend Nanda Soobben, may your stories continue to be told by your 🖊🖍 (art). You are so selfless in everything that you do. Continue doing you and stay blessed. #PEACE.”
The mural has the faces of Chief Albert Luthuli, Mohandas Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Ahmed Kathrada, Imtiaz Sooliman, Dr Gcina Mhlophe, Lenny Naidu, Kumi Naidoo, Judge Navi Pillay, Anshu Padayachee, Fatima Meer, Bhai Rambharos and a group of women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956.
Soobben said he had conceived the idea after witnessing the racial tension that came out of the July unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. It was also inspired by a mural he painted in New York, 30 years ago, during the first Gulf War.
Speaking to the Daily News last year, Soobben said: “It is all in a day’s work. Painting with fine art equipment outdoors is no easy feat, battling the elements. The night the Americans bombed Baghdad with those Tomahawk cruise missiles from the missile carriers in the Persian Gulf, there were a few of us who were not cheering! You could hear the sound of those missiles. The TV sets were so loud and you could hear the sounds of the people cheering. I could not help thinking of the people on the other end of those missiles. My message is clear: peace.”
He plans to paint other murals in Phoenix, Verulam and Merewent. These will include stalwarts from those areas.
Daily News