A moving masterpiece: artist Nelson Makamo and his one-off Porsche 911 Carrera

The striking work of visual artist Nelson 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 – 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 911. 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 a world-famous artist, Makamo ordered a Jet Black Metallic 911 Carrera Coupé 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 side 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. “I always knew I was going to own a Porsche, I just never knew that my relationship with the brand would start this way – and it’s only the beginning,” he says.

Toby Venter, CEO of Porsche South Africa, says the project has provided great motivation: “Working with Nelson Makamo has been inspirational and this commission is on a level we’ve never seen before. This is a truly bespoke art installation worthy of any gallery. It also illustrates the lengths Porsche South Africa will go to and the creativity and flexibility of our team to accommodate a request as personal as this.”

“Porsche customers have a virtually endless array of options available through Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur to make their Porsche completely individual, but then when a unique customer such as Nelson chooses to do something extraordinary, we are delighted to accommodate his wishes.”

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.