We the Kings series
This collection shown at the Gallery of African Art, London, examines the complexities of power within three contexts, the artist within the art ecosystem, the Nigerian and the African.
The "kings", in the title, We the Kings, alludes to the three parallels referencing the inherent power they have but have not fully harnessed. The primary focus here will be on the artist.
The artist is the nerve centre of the art ecosystem, ideally, however this is not the reality most artists exist in. In theory yes, however in the food chain not so much. Many artists, especially young career ones, are often exploited by some of the players in the art ecosystem, such as galleries, gate keepers and influencers in the system. The artist makes the work and often benefits the least, given exploitative contracts, almost no support and a system that excludes them from profiting off of their creativity and hard work.
Now, artists need to wake up and see that they must take ownership of their reality, do extensive research, work smarter and be more aware, in order to shake up the system and facilitate major change. There is no art system without the artist, the artist must remember that.
The content of the work illustrates heads, referencing the most important part of a body in African society. The forms draw reference to Urhobo and Benin royalty. The words inscribed into the illustration sheds light on the artists point of view, with phrases like, 'Awareness dawns' and 'Awaken', beckoning artists, Nigerians and Africans to be aware of the power they have and rise up as kings rather than settling for less than who they are, or being entitled, knowing they are responsible for their future, no one else is.
We the Kings series, acrylic on canvas 2018
Copyright © 2024 Stacey Ravvero - All Rights Reserved.
Atelier Stacey Ravvero
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