Johannesburg-born artist Nelson Makamo, world renowned for his mural portraits, this week lived up to one of his childhood dreams.
The artist, whose work has appeared on numerous international stages, including the cover of TIME magazine, recently acquired a brand-new Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe.
He ordered the sportscar in Jet Black Metallic, not just realising one of his life-long ambitions, but also making it one of his most personal canvases yet.
Makamo hand-painted a number of his 911’s components and panels at his studio, before returning it to Porsche Centre Johannesburg for a final layer of lacquer and fitting. These elements included the rear bumper, front seat mouldings, door panel inserts and handles, dash panel inserts, the parking brake console, and side mirror covers.
The paintings of each component flow together to create one cohesive artwork.
On the left door, he included the inscription ‘Mma’ – three letters that mean ‘mother’ in Makamo’s native language of Sepedi. This is symbolic feature that pays tribute to the woman who supported him throughout his life, inspiring him to believe that success through art was possible.
“I always knew I was going to own a Porsche. I just never knew that my relationship with the brand would start this way – and it’s only the beginning,” says Makamo.
Porsche South Africa CEO Toby Venter says the project has provided great motivation: “Working with Nelson Makamo has been inspirational, and this commission is on a level we’ve never seen before.
“This is a truly bespoke art installation worthy of any gallery. It also illustrates the lengths Porsche SA will go to and the creativity and flexibility of our team to accommodate a request as personal as this.”
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