SHANGHAI, China - A Shanghai-based artist has produced a massive mural in honour of former South African President Nelson Mandela.
Phil Akashi constructed a stunning portrait of Mandela by punching a wall with boxing gloves fitted with Chinese characters that symbolise freedom, an ideal Mandela spent most of his life fighting for.
Akashi said Mandela is a global icon who continues to inspire him.
The artist said he believes in Mandela’s ideals of striving for harmony, democracy and equality.
“For me Nelson Mandela is truly a legend. In my childhood I was following and reading about him. He really inspired me that&39;s why I decided to do something about him,” said Akashi.
The mural is hosted in Shanghai’s Graffiti Park and draws widespread international attention.
Akashi is working on a series of paintings about other inspirational people such as Mohamed Ali and Mahatma Gandhi.
