I wanted to make, not a simple portrait of Mandela, but a painting expressing all that he stands for, a painting as translucent as though it were painted on water.

In March 2007 the painting was installed in the United Nations building in New York, in the corridor leading to the Security Council Chamber.

“The portrait captures both the dignity and tremendous personal strength of not just an African hero, but a true human treasure. . . he is synonymous with some of the highest values of our organization and indeed of all humanity: tolerance, equality, justice and forgiveness.” Excerpt from the speech of Ms. Asha Rose Migiro, UN Deputy Secretary-General.