Nelson Makamo's 'Life in Motion'

South African artist Nelson Makamo recently took delivery of a unique Porsche 911 Carrera, and it’s proving to be one of his most personal canvases yet.

The striking work of Makamo has featured on the cover of TIME Magazine – under the heading ‘The art of optimism – 34 people who are changing how we see the world’ – and has been snapped up by celebrities and collectors the world over. But some of his latest work, including that which he has created on his new 911, is very much for himself.

Growing up in the 1980s in rural Modimolle, in South Africa’s Limpopo province, a young Makamo fantasised that he would one day hold the keys to his own Porsche. What he couldn’t know then was that his time would come after a chance encounter with a modern-day model during a residency in Franschhoek, in Western Cape, reignited that childhood dream. Now, Makamo has a Jet Black Metallic 911 Carrera and set about turning his car into a moving canvas.

At his Johannesburg studio, he hand-painted a number of his 911’s components and panels before returning them to the team at 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 wing mirror covers. He picked the left side door panel insert to feature the inscription ‘Mma’ – three letters that mean ‘mother’ in Makamo’s native language of Sepedi. It marks the first time he has mentioned his mother in his artwork, and the subtle yet deeply meaningful acknowledgement pays tribute to a woman who supported him throughout his life, inspiring him to believe that success through art was possible.

Makamo says the project, which he has called ‘My Life in Motion’, is not just a representation of his success, but also a nod to the various people he has encountered along the way. It is Makamo’s hope that his 911 will spark the imagination of African children – to help every young girl and boy see that it is possible to find success through their own passion based on talent, resilience, hard work and the unwavering support of family.

Photos © Porsche