Li Bin‚ a Chinese artist‚ was commissioned by the Chinese government to create a 38m long and 3.8m high panoramic oil painting‚ titled Mandela‚ that depicts Mandela's lifelong struggle for peace and tolerance in three segments – "Prisoner"‚ "President" and "Peacemaker". Nelson Mandela touched the lives of millions across the globe and even after his passing remains the peace icon.Li Bin‚ a Chinese artist‚ was commissioned by the Chinese government to create a 38m long and 3.8m high panoramic oil painting‚ titled Mandela‚ that depicts Mandela's lifelong struggle for peace and tolerance in three segments – "Prisoner"‚ "President" and "Peacemaker".The process to create this detailed imaginary took two years.The painting tells the story of the former head of state through a combination of photographs‚ paint and some drawing. The painting will be exhibited at the University of Johannesburg from Tuesday to May 8 for public viewing before moving to other countries such as the US‚ England‚ Sweden‚ Germany‚ Hong Kong and Taiwan.It features Mandela alongside notable statesmen and pop culture icons including Desmond Tutu‚ Bill Clinton the Spice Girls‚ Oprah Winfrey and Charlize Theron.Alan Burke‚ psychology professor at the University of Johannesburg‚ said both he and Bin grew up in dark stages in their countries. Burke was part of the national service under apartheid and felt the painting was a “mirror” that forced him to challenge his own role in injustice.Bin grew up as a communist under the cultural revolution as part of the Red Guard – a similar oppressive security apparatus.He was disappointed in the communist party following the Tiananmen Square massacre in China‚ where thousands of innocent people died.Bin‚ who has always been vocal about transformation‚ said: “Mao used to be my idol. Now Mandela is.” Bin said he had done paintings of rich and famous people but the Mandela painting was the most significant. - RDM News Wire, The Times..