Jewish artist Dean Simon painted a black-and-white work based on Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, with Mandela depicted as Jesus, surrounded by peacemakers from various eras. Photo: Screenshot.

Several Jewish artists are participating in a new art exhibit in London that celebrates the life of South African icon Nelson Mandela.

South African Jews Dean Simon, Susan Woolf, Loren Hodes, Lena Woolf, Zapiro, Len Sak, Michael Meyersfeld, and Eric Sher all contributed works to the show, We Love Mandela: Art Inspired by Madiba, which is curated by Natalie Knight and sponsored by South African businessman Alan Demby.

The exhibition, originally planned for May but postponed because of Mandela’s declining health, opened Thursday.

The Jewish artists featured vary considerably in style, medium and content. Dean Simon’s submission is a black-and-white work based on Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper,with Mandela depicted as Jesus, surrounded by peacemakers from various eras.

Zapiro on the other hand, a well-known cartoonist, while keeping with the biblical theme, has submitted a work in his preferred medium which depicts Mandela parting the sea.

Chief Rabbi of South Africa Dr Warren Goldstein was quoted by The Jewish Week as saying: “In societies which idolize the powers of the body, Nelson Mandela attests to the enduring power of the soul. He was a beacon of hope in the dark days of apartheid and he remains a beacon of hope.”

“The global romance with Nelson Mandela is a sign of hope for humanity; we are still moved by heroes of the spirit,” the chief rabbi said.

Click here to view a sampling of the artworks on display at We Love Mandela: Art Inspired by Madiba.