Cape Town artist and poet, Tyrone Appollis: Adds final touches to his latest election painting – 21 April 2009

TIMES ARE A’CHANGIN’: Artist and poet Tyrone Appollis – well known for reflecting changing times in South Africa, from the despair of the struggle to peace and reconciliation post-1994 – has created what he calls his ‘African masterpiece’ just in time   for tomorrow’s elections. The massive painting, showing ANC president Jacob Zuma’s image on a kite being flown by DA leader Helen Zille, is the artist’s ‘first big political piece’ for some time. 

“We’re acutely aware that the world is watching us. They’re watching our elections, and they’ll be watching the World Cup next year. We seldom know we’re making history when we’re making it, but this time, in this place, we are making history. Looking at the painting, you can see the Zuma kite flying, while Helen Zille is almost like a puppetmaster, trying to control it. The fact that Zuma will be president is overwhelming, but Zille is tough and she has the power to control the kite’s flight. And the soccer ball is bigger than the players. My point is that the game of life is bigger than the people playing it. “