Cape Town artist Michael J. Lee will commemorate 40 South Africans who have played a pivotal role in shaping our nation at his second solo exhibition in Rondebosch, Cape Town, from 7 to 9 September 2023.

Titled Inspired, the collection of evocative monochrome oil paintings will showcase individuals who have played a significant role across various fields, including politics, history, sport, culture, literature, medicine or business. The exhibition will be held in St Thomas Church in Campground Road.

“In the midst of a preponderance of negative thinking about the country, it’s time to celebrate the influential figures who in some way have changed us, or the course of our rainbow nation for the good,” said Lee. “I loved painting each portrait, as these South Africans have all been next level in their different fields. They inspire us through their example and achievements, and brighten our prospects as a nation.”

Inspired features the four Nobel Peace Prize winners, Nelson Mandela, FW de Klerk, Albert Luthuli and Desmond Tutu, as well as other notable figures. These include Walter Sisulu, Jan Smuts, Sol Plaatje, Nadine Gordimer, Thuli Madonsela, Trevor Noah, Prof Christiaan Barnard, Dr Patrick Soon-Shiong, Robert Sobukwe, Helen Suzman, Steve Biko, Gary Player, Rassie Erasmus, Wayde van Niekerk, Siya Kolisi, Graça Machel,  Jacques Kallis, Thabo Mbeki, Athol Fugard, J.M. Coetzee, Helen Zille, Miriam Makeba, Sandra Prinsloo, Alan Paton, Dr Beyers Naude, Cyril Ramaphosa, Sol Kerzner, Charlize Theron, Clem Sunter, Tatjana Schoenmaker, Cheslin Kolbe, Trevor Manuel, Graeme Smith, Chad le Clos, Albertine Sisulu and Francois Pienaar.  

Completing the Heroism Corner in the exhibition will be two large oil paintings dramatising the epic solo journey of Chris Bertish. The first person to cross the Atlantic Ocean by SUP (Stand Up Paddle), Bertish is celebrated for his incredible feat of endurance and imagination.

Lee will also display his series of 25 pencil sketches of Table Mountain, as well as several oil paintings of the iconic mountain drawn from different perspectives across the Cape Peninsula. This effort supports the Church’s Care for Creation community campaign, which coincides with Spring.

The exhibition will be open daily from 10h00 to 17h00 on 7 and 8 September, and until 18h00 on 9 September 2023. For details, contact Michael J. Lee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 072 956 1351. Additional information can also be found on Lee’s website at https://michaeljlee.com/.