{"id":145121,"date":"2025-09-15T07:36:23","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T07:36:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/145121\/"},"modified":"2025-09-15T07:36:23","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T07:36:23","slug":"cleophas-mandela-the-sculptor-who-breathes-life-into-kenyas-icons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/145121\/","title":{"rendered":"Cleophas Mandela: The sculptor who breathes life into Kenya\u2019s icons"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cleophas Mandela works on a scuplture of Kenyan marathoner Eliud Kipchoge. PHOTO CREDIT: Cleophas Mandela<\/p>\n

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\t\tRead 7 minutes<\/p>\n

A replica of the bust that first brought him widespread recognition is of Eliud Kipchoge, captured in his iconic stance \u2014 arms akimbo, standing beside the artist behind the work. The piece, instantly recognizable and deeply symbolic, carries the unmistakable touch of Cleophas Mandela\u2019s hands, blending athletic triumph with artistic mastery. It is through such works that Mandela carved his place in Kenya\u2019s contemporary art scene, translating moments of national pride into lasting monuments.<\/p>\n

\"\"Cleophas Mandela stands facing a replica sculpture of Kenyan marathoner Eliud Kipchoge. \/Cleophas Mandela
\nHonoring History Through Art<\/p>\n

When Cleophas Mandela speaks about his craft, it is clear that sculpting is not just a career for him \u2014 it is a calling, a way of honoring memory and history through art. His works are not simply statues; they are reminders of Kenya\u2019s heroes, stories, and eras, frozen in bronze, fiberglass, or stone.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith Daniel Arap Moi, I tried to capture the hues of his red tie, his signature rose, and his ivory staff,\u201d Mandela says with quiet pride. The lifesize sculpture of Kenya\u2019s second president took him eight months to complete, a painstaking process that demanded patience, precision, and an eye for detail.<\/p>\n

Mandela\u2019s journey into art began at the age of 15. It was not by chance. He inherited the craft from his late father, Luke Oshoto Ondula, a legendary sculptor and artist whose works earned international acclaim. Growing up, Mandela would often watch his father at work, surrounded by chisels, clay, and bronze casts, absorbing techniques long before he ever tried them himself. Ondula\u2019s reputation stretched far beyond Kenya\u2019s borders. His artistry is immortalized in the Royal Queen\u2019s collection in London and a prestigious commission in Dar es Salaam for Tanzania\u2019s founding father, Julius Nyerere. He also created a painting for former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, showcasing his ability to adapt across media.<\/p>\n

\"\"Cleophas Mandela poses for a photo alongside his late father, Luke Oshoto Ondula. PHOTO CREDIT: Cleophas Mandela
\nLike Father, Like Son<\/p>\n

\u201cI used to admire watching my father create his art,\u201d Mandela recalls. \u201cI was very present in every stage he undertook, from sketching and molding to the final piece. I wanted to tap into his skills because he had already made a name for himself through his work, and I hoped he would pass those skills on to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Within Kenya, Ondula\u2019s works are landmarks in their own right: the towering Tom Mboya statue in Nairobi\u2019s bustling CBD, a daily reminder of a political giant; the Naked Boy sculpture at the High Court, a bold piece that continues to spark curiosity and reflection; and the stately lion sculptures at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga mausoleum, symbols of strength and legacy. These pieces not only cemented Ondula\u2019s place in African art history but also laid a strong foundation for Mandela, who grew up inspired by both the grandeur of the works and the respect his father commanded as an artist. For Mandela, carrying forward this legacy was less about obligation and more about destiny, a natural continuation of a story written long before him<\/p>\n

Carrying that torch, Mandela carved his own path. His first attempt was a relief piece of a flamingo against the scenic landscape of Naivasha. His portfolio now includes sculptures of celebrated figures such as Edi Gathegi, Lupita Nyong\u2019o,\u00a0and Daniel Arap Moi. Most of his life-size works take approximately four months to complete, while larger-than-life commissions may require six to eight months.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe best part of this work is doing the finer details, the facial expressions, the eyes, the wrinkles. All these give me a deeper connection,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

A Process Rooted in Patience and Precision<\/p>\n

Mandela\u2019s process blends creativity with discipline. He begins with reference images and preliminary sketches before moving to a maquette \u2014 a miniature model that guides the final work. For modeling, he uses plasticine, valued for its malleability and resistance to drying out. For casting, he turns to bonded bronze, a blend of epoxy resin and bronze filings that ensures durability, especially for outdoor pieces.<\/p>\n

\"\"Mandela works on a sculpture of former Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore.\u00a0 \/ Cleophas Mandela<\/p>\n

Every commission begins with a conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe always consult with the client \u2014 is the piece going indoors or outdoors? That determines which materials we use. Fiberglass works well for indoor pieces, while bonded bronze is best for outdoors,\u201d he explains. Once complete, Mandela and his partner, Cheryl\u00a0Nagawa, create digital placement images to help clients visualize how the artwork will look in its final location.<\/p>\n

Inspiration From Kenya and Its People<\/p>\n

What sets Mandela apart is not just his technique but his source of inspiration.<\/p>\n

\u201cI draw inspiration from the Kenyan people and our different ethnicities,\u201d\u00a0he says. \u201cI get to see and appreciate the different facial and body features everyone has. Every face tells a story. Whether it\u2019s a smile line, the shape of the nose, or the way someone carries themselves, these details help me bring out personality and spirit in my sculptures.\u201d<\/p>\n

Still, he admits the process is not always smooth.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost of the sculptures surprise me. There\u2019s always that stage where you feel it won\u2019t come out the way you envisioned. The clay seems stubborn, the proportions don\u2019t align, or the expression feels flat. But then, with patience and persistence, something shifts. The piece slowly begins to take life, and most of the time, I end up surprising myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Mandela also sculpted a replica of Kenyan Hollywood actor Edi Gathegi.\u00a0 \/ Cleophas Mandela<\/p>\n

For Mandela, these moments of doubt and breakthrough are what make sculpting meaningful. They remind him that art is not just about skill but about trust in the process \u2014 allowing the work to evolve naturally until it finds its own form.<\/p>\n

Between Tradition and Technology<\/p>\n

The rise of 3D printing and CNC machining poses both opportunities and challenges to sculptors like Mandela. While these technologies promise speed, precision, and the ability to replicate works at scale, he believes the essence of sculpture lies in the human touch.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, 3D printing and CNC will probably take some of our work, but not immediately. Most people still appreciate works done by hand,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

\"\"Mandela, seen working in his studio in Kitengela, a town on the outskirts of the capital, Nairobi. \/Cleophas Mandela<\/p>\n

For Mandela, the difference is not just in the outcome but in the journey. Machines can reproduce form, but they cannot capture the subtle decisions, instinctive corrections, and emotional connection that an artist weaves into a piece.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you work with your hands, you leave a part of yourself in the art, your mood, your patience, even the mistakes that turn into character. That\u2019s something no machine can replicate. People naturally connect more with sculptures crafted by hand,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n

Still, Mandela does not dismiss technology outright. He sees potential for collaboration, where 3D tools can assist with preliminary models or large-scale projects, allowing artists to save time and focus on the intricate details that truly define their craft.<\/p>\n

\u201cTechnology can support us, but it should not erase us. At the end of the day, art is about soul, and soul cannot be printed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Building a Legacy<\/p>\n

Much of Mandela\u2019s work comes through referrals, many of them linked to his father\u2019s long-standing clientele. But times are changing.<\/p>\n

\u201cThrough social media, we are also reaching new clients,\u201d Nagawa adds, noting how digital platforms have reshaped access to art and broadened their reach beyond traditional networks. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook now act as virtual galleries, allowing Mandela to showcase his process and finished works to audiences he might never meet in person.<\/p>\n

He is an artist whose versatility sets him apart. Mandela creates grand monuments and public statues that command attention in cityscapes, yet he also pours the same dedication into portraits, reliefs, and individual pieces for private collections. This range demonstrates not only his technical mastery but also his ability to adapt his craft to different contexts \u2014 from honoring national heroes with life-size bronze figures to crafting intimate works that capture personal stories and emotions.<\/p>\n

\"\"Kenyan lawyer Nick Ndeda poses next to his replica sculpture.\u00a0 \/Cleophas Mandela<\/p>\n

\u201cNow I have pieces that will help me establish a gallery, which is what I\u2019m currently working on. Most of the time when I create a piece for a client, I also duplicate one for record and marking purposes.\u201d<\/p>\n

For Mandela, each project is unique, but the goal is the same: to preserve memory and evoke meaning. Whether it\u2019s a public monument that speaks to a nation\u2019s collective history or a small commissioned sculpture that holds personal significance for a family, his artistry bridges both the monumental and the intimate.<\/p>\n

A Journey of Heritage and Hope<\/p>\n

For Mandela, sculpting is more than chisels, clay, or bronze. It is about memory, heritage, and storytelling. Each piece \u2014 whether a towering life-size figure or a small relief artwork \u2014 carries with it the weight of history and the pride of Kenyan identity. His hands do not just shape form; they preserve voices, moments, and legacies that might otherwise fade with time.<\/p>\n

And as partner Nagawa observes in reflecting on his work, Mandela\u2019s sculptures are not just artistic creations, but emotional touchstones. They stir remembrance, spark conversations, and remind Kenyans of where they have come from.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I sculpt a piece of Moi, I want you to start reminiscing about the Moi era,\u201d Mandela says. It is this ability to blend artistry with memory that makes his work timeless.<\/p>\n

From a 15-year-old boy sketching flamingos to a sculptor shaping the legacies of Kenya\u2019s most iconic figures, Cleophas Mandela is proving that art can outlive its maker. His dream is not only to honor Kenya\u2019s heroes but also to inspire future generations, one sculpture at a time.<\/p>\n

Already, he is working toward establishing his own gallery, a space where history, culture, and creativity will converge to nurture future artists and storytellers.<\/p>\n


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