Free Nelson Mandela (sculpture) facts for kids
The Free Nelson Mandela sculpture is a powerful artwork in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. It was created by artist David Hammons in 1987. This sculpture was made to demand the freedom of Nelson Mandela, a famous activist from South Africa who was imprisoned at the time. Its full name is Nelson Mandela Must Be Free to Lead His People and South Africa to Peace and Prosperity. But most people just call it Free Nelson Mandela because those words are carved into the granite rock at the bottom.
The sculpture has two main parts. The bottom part is a large granite rock with the words "Free Nelson Mandela" carved into it. The top part is a 12-foot-high fence made of iron bars that spread out from the rock. This fence has sharp barbed wire on top, just like a prison fence. There's also a real gate in the fence. When Nelson Mandela was in prison, this gate was locked shut with a padlock. After he was released in 1990, the artist sent a key to Atlanta city officials. They unlocked the gate, and it has been open ever since. This open gate shows that Nelson Mandela was finally free. You can also see small chains attached to the bottom corners of the rock. Later, three bars next to the gate were painted green, black, and yellow. These are the colors of the South African flag. The whole sculpture is very heavy, weighing 7 tons!
Creating the Sculpture
How it was made
David Hammons created this sculpture in 1987. He was an artist working in Atlanta for their Arts Festival. Students and teachers from Georgia State University helped him build it in their sculpture studio. Today, the Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs takes care of the sculpture and makes sure it stays in good condition. This artwork is very important not just for its message, but also because it is one of the few public art pieces made by David Hammons.
Where to Find It
Current location
The sculpture was first placed in Woodruff Park in Atlanta in April 1987. It was officially shown to the public on June 4, 1987, by the mayor of Atlanta at that time, Andrew Young. Now, the sculpture is in Piedmont Park. You can find it about 50 yards inside the Charles Allen Drive entrance. This entrance is on the south side of the park, near 10th Street. It's just inside the eastern end of the Oak Hill walking trail.
See also
In Spanish: Nelson Mandela Libre para niños
