In 1990, only few years after he was set free, Nelson Mandela went on a tour in Australia. The photographer who covered the event of Mandela’s visit for the newspaper “Neos Kosmos” was Antonis Baxevanakis. In fact, one of Mandela’s tour photos was taken by Antonis Baxevanakis, who won the Kodak award in 1990.
“With my camera, I tried to capture the tireless determination in Nelson Mandela’s eyes. If you think about it, that is what Nelson Mandela stood for, tireless determination,” said the Greek expat and veteran photographer.
Obviously, Baxevanis managed to do just that; besides winning the Kodak award, the photo was approved by Mandela personally and his foundation sent him a letter of appreciation. In addition, the very same photo of Nelson Mandela, decorated the office of Victoria’s former Premier, Joan Kirner, as she confided in the Australian media, that this picture was her favorite one.