Marta Gallery presents Oríkì (Act III): Whispers of a Path, the newest exhibition by Lagos-based artist and designer Nifemi Marcus-Bello. Because the concluding chapter within the “Oríkì“ sequence, this assortment delves into the politics of fabric extraction, refinement and procurement, all centering on copper as its core factor.
Copper, abundantly mined in central Africa’s copperbelt – spanning northern Zambia and the southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo – is paradoxically scarce on the continent as a result of world demand and complicated provide chains. Regardless of being a essential useful resource, a lot of the copper extracted is exported for processing and later re-imported at a premium, underscoring the financial paradoxes that Marcus-Bello examines in his work.
For Whispers of a Path, Marcus-Bello has crafted 4 sculptural designs that serve twin functions, encompassing tabling, seating and lighting. Each bit highlights the adaptability and resilience of copper whereas reflecting the labor-intensive processes behind its use. The “Daybed” includes a single-mold solid base that seamlessly extends from a chair, unified by a shared backrest and topped with a candle holder. The “Headrest” is a curved copper span designed to help each sitting and reclining postures. The “Facet Desk” is a cantilevered copper floor perched atop gray bricks, its brilliance evoking the gleam of a freshly minted coin. The “Charcoal Lamp” incorporates slender constructions of each copper and reclaimed American pine, with the blackened wooden symbolizing Africa’s diminishing ebony reserves.
By merging materials historical past with sculptural performance, Marcus-Bello transforms copper right into a medium for storytelling, illuminating the continent’s financial dependencies and useful resource exploitation. His work challenges typical perceptions of uncooked supplies, highlighting their historic and cultural significance.
Including to the momentum, the artist can also be featured in MoMA’s not too long ago opened exhibition Pirouette: Turning Factors in Design. Curated by Paola Antonelli, this showcase highlights groundbreaking designs which have reshaped industries and influenced on a regular basis life.
For additional particulars on Oríkì (Act III): Whispers of a Path, go to Marta’s official web site.
Marta
3021 Rowena Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90039
