21 Icons: Adrian Steirn

Creator of 21 Icons project

Australian born Adrian Steirn is one of Africa's pre-eminent photographers and filmmakers, plus has created a unique collection of multi-media projects that document some of the world's most inspiring individuals, cultures and landscapes. 

Amongst a diversity of photographic opportunities, closest to Adrian Steirn's heart has been his work with Nelson Mandela, whom he has photographed several times including his 93rd and 94th birthdays exclusively. Each time Steirn spent several days with the Mandela family at Madiba's house in Qunu, Eastern Cape, and produced a series of deeply personal and intimate photographs.

His admiration for Madiba and what the statesman had achieved in uniting the people of South Africa post-democracy inspired Steirn to create 21 Icons South Africa.

"Wherever I take photographs in the world, people always ask about Madiba and what will happen in South Africa once he's gone. It got me thinking about his legacy and what it means to both the country and the world. This brought me to the realisation that he had not acted alone and that there were many more distinguished, wonderful and worthy people that have made South Africa what it is," said Steirn.

He decided to tackle his most ambitious project to date: filming and photographing a series of icons, whom he defines as 'men and women who lead extraordinary lives' and that have a positive impact on those around them.

He wanted to shoot fascinating portraits that would make people engage with the stories behind them. As an artist for whom narrative is everything, these backstories are as interesting and relevant as the photographs and they took 21 Icons South Africa to another level. "The bond that developed through crafting each persons portrait gave birth to amazing interviews and films, which I think people will love to see," says Steirn.

Steirn hopes to take the 21 Icons project to the rest of the world after its launch in South Africa because, he says, it is important to create a collection of icons that can inspire tomorrow's leaders.

"We are bound by our cultures and if we could somehow understand the icons of other cultures, say, for example, understanding what it's like to be a musician in Iran or an Indian environmental activist, we could gain insight into the culture and create a worldwide movement of people who do what icons do: work hard to make the world a better place."

Steirn has also shot powerful portraits of heads of state such as former UK prime minister Tony Blair, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, President Alpha Conde of Guinea, former Norwegian prime minister Gro Harlem Brundtland, and former Japanese prime minister Yoshiro Mori. Artists he has photographed and filmed include Irish singer Bono and British singer-songwriter Annie Lennox, as well as South Africa’s pre-eminent film actress, Charlize Theron.