Sculpted by Marco Cianfanelli, these 50 steel plates rise 
above the site where Nelson Mandela was arrested in 1962.

Released in 1990 after 27 years in prison, Mandela 
was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
He remains a controversial icon,
but he is, most definintely,
an icon. 

Across the world, Mandela came to be seen as “a moral authority” with a great “concern for truth”. Considered friendly and welcoming, Mandela exhibited a “relaxed charm” when talking to others, including his opponents. Although often befriending millionaires and dignitaries, he enjoyed talking with their staff when at official functions. In later life, he was known for looking for the best in everyone, even defending political opponents to his allies, though some thought him too trusting of others. He was renowned for his stubbornness and loyalty, and exhibited a “hot temper” which could flare up in anger in certain situations, also being “moody and dejected” away from the public eye. He also had a mischievous sense of humour. Very conscious of his image, throughout his life he sought fine quality clothes, carrying himself in a “regal style” stemming from his childhood in the Thembu royal house and during his presidency was often compared to a constitutional monarch. Considered a “master of imagery and performance”, he excelled at presenting himself well in press photographs and producing soundbites.

-WIKIPEDIA