Dragons & Butterflies: Sentenced to Die, Choosing to Live (109 page)

The perimeter wall of Bangkwang prison was studded with guard towers like this. Although manned by armed commodores, duty in the towers was actually a punishment for the guards.

The dragon emerges, circa 2001–2002. Having received a 100-year sentence, I intended to have a new tattoo done each year.

Preparing for a volleyball competition on the tennis court of Building 1, circa 1998. I had shaved my head not long before this, and my hair was just beginning to grow back.

Manslaughter United, the B team of Building 2 for the annual inter-building football tournament, January 1996. The design of our kit was based on the Bafana Bafana uniform of that time.

Relaxing after a tough football practice with my Nigerian brother Jaap.

Keeping fit and healthy, 2005.

In prison, cultural barriers didn’t really exist. when I moved to Building 6, in 2010, I joined my new band of friends in their Christmas celebration – my first. This photo was taken in Danny’s house.

With my Chinese friend Lim, who cooked for me for ten years. This picture was taken in the garden of Building 4 during an indoor football competition.

Even during my second stint in solitary, I remained serious about my prayers and Torah study. Although I was locked up for 24 hours a day, with nothing but a towel for my bed and my
siddur
for a pillow, I also understood that
Hashem
was preparing me spiritually and psychologically for my imminent freedom.

Over the years, Joan worked tirelessly to secure my release or a transfer to a South African prison. This picture is from 1997 or 1998.

‘Nelson Mandela’ (ballpoint pen, 1996). This was part of my ‘black period’ series.

‘Freedom of the spirit’ (oil pastel, 2000). I created this artwork soon after my first stint in solitary.

‘Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson’ (handpainted in carbon powder – fine granules of charcoal – with Chinese brushes, 2003). I had a very spiritual experience when I completed this painting. Much later, when I exhibited it in a gallery, some people even asked who the photographer was!