Beezy Bailey at Everard Read

Inspired by Andy Warhol’s infamous silkscreens of icons such as Marilyn Monroe and Mick Jagger, Beezy Bailey is exhibiting ‘Icon Iconoclast’ – a collection of paintings in silkscreen format depicting South Africa’s most prominent icon, Nelson Mandela.

The exhibition starts on 5 May at the Everard Read Gallery in Johannesburg.

Using photographs taken by Bob Gosani before Mandela’s imprisonment as well as photos by Benny Gool from after his release, Beezy has, for the last two years, been working on a series of paintings using photographs in silkscreen format. These photographs have been printed onto canvas – a medium Beezy usually uses for landscapes or abstract works.

Although there’s a focus on Madiba, the collection doesn’t just honour him.It’s a celebration of liberation, showcasing other heroes such as Joe Slovo as well.

Beezy’s vibrant yet profound pieces have a transcendental quality, rich in layers and colours, politics and the country’s history. The end result is a portrayal of what South Africa fought for: the dream of freedom and people who made it all a possibility.

More information: www.everard-read.co.za, 011 788 4805