BRONZE WHISPERS: SILENCE
Behind THE art
ABOUT THE PIECE
This artwork, a fusion of classic Benin craftsmanship and contemporary imagery, weaves the rich heritage of ancient Africa with the stark realities of today's world. The Benin-style bronze head, a symbol of African heritage and power, wears a mask — a poignant emblem of the COVID-19 era. This mask holds a dual significance, representing not only our shared struggles during a global health crisis but also the stifling of discourse that occurred within the pandemic. The masked mouth of the figure symbolises a visual dialogue between freedom and constraint, safety and silence.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Medium: Benin Bronze - a mixture of scrap metal alloys
- Year: 2022
- Height: 49 cm
- Width: 27 cm
- Weight: 11.2 kg
- Place of Production: Benin City, Nigeria
PROTECTION
Silence. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, streets worldwide fell into an eerie stillness as governments urged people to 'stay home' for safety. This profound silence left many immune systems powerless against the deadly virus that swept the globe. It also extended to the economic realm, as productivity and social interaction came to a halt. This unique absence of sound and movement defines a period encapsulated in our bronze piece, 'Silence.'
OPPRESION
'Silence' represents the rights of those who feel oppressed, unprotected, and voiceless in today's social landscape. Set against the backdrop of Benin bronzes returning to Nigeria, 'Bronze Whispers: Silence' articulates contemporary struggles through the lens of ancient artistry. As stolen treasures make their way back home, this piece echoes the silenced voices yearning for discourse, emphasising the importance of reclaiming not just physical artefacts but also the narratives they conceal.
CReative reflections
At Next Gen Bronzes, we strive to revive ancient art while igniting conversations on global issues. Our bronzes reflect our interconnected world. Explore our Creative Reflections page to join the dialogue and contribute your own artistic expressions inspired by our sculptures.