Notes

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu during the discussions on Joy at His Holiness's residence in Dharamshala, HP, India on April 21, 2015. (Original photographic reference by Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL). Two Nobel Peace Prize Laureate icons are captured in arguably one of the most profound moments in recent human history. Showing how love and compassion for one another transcend racial, religious, and cultural differences. This painting serves as a commemorative historical piece, to share a defiant message of joy and hope. It is a reminder that we have the potential and the capacity to live better lives by simply embracing our common humanity.

Soon after graduating from The National School of Arts in Johannesburg in 1994, Charles Foley got his first job at HerdBuoys and went on to pursue an illustrious career in creative advertising spanning 25 years. During this period, he honed his conceptual, art direction and copywriting skills, amassing numerous local and international acknowledgments along the way —including South Africa’s first internationally acclaimed Cannes Lions Grand Prix award. With a prolific reborn passion for painting, Foley draws on his commercial creative experience and passion for philosophy to create beautifully crafted pieces that have a wealth of depth and consideration to them.

"I have always harboured a special love and respect for the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu and view these two spiritual giants as shining beacons of light, representing the best of humanity. It felt fitting to help commemorate their historic meeting for prosperity and complete the painting in 2021, the year marking Desmond Tutu’s 90th birthday. Creating this painting brought me much joy. It gave me the opportunity to work through many of my own philosophical beliefs and contribute to bringing the idea of common humanity to life." –Charles Foley

Provenance

Donated by the artist.

Framing courtesy of Maxwoods Framers and Gilders.