Bebe moké nani abêti yo, Loba na ngai, Ngai na zongisa, Yo moko otutani na mur Yandako, bebe moké nani abêti yo
Collection:UAL Art Collection
Date: 2019
Artist: Shannon Bono (British)
Dimensions:
198 x 97cm
Medium: Oil and acrylic on canvas
Object number: UAC 985
DescriptionShannon studied MA Art and Science at Central Saint Martins. Her artist's statement says that she 'creates paintings, prints, collages and sculpture that centralise the black female body as the subject in order to disable the limiting socially constructed ideologies placed upon them and advocate for its presence and muted narratives. She re-imagines these bodies as a map of modernity, using anatomical manipulation and surrealist elements to work as ‘artivisms’ against oppressive forces. Her goal is to educate, aspire and liberate her audience, as an interdisciplinary artivist.
‘Bebe Moké…’ is a self-portrait depicting Bono using her body to educate an audience on
the atrocities of the Congo free state during the King Leopold era. Bono includes latex
vessels across her body and amputated limbs referencing the mutilation of civilians due to Congo’s natural resources. Bono attempts to remedy these situations through the imagery of a black female leaders/religious figure such as Kimpa Vita. Mama Kimpa Vita claimed to be possessed by St Anthony and criticized Italian missionaries for not supporting black saints. She laid the foundation for constructive resistance and influenced many people, however her story is untold.'
‘Bebe Moké…’ is a self-portrait depicting Bono using her body to educate an audience on
the atrocities of the Congo free state during the King Leopold era. Bono includes latex
vessels across her body and amputated limbs referencing the mutilation of civilians due to Congo’s natural resources. Bono attempts to remedy these situations through the imagery of a black female leaders/religious figure such as Kimpa Vita. Mama Kimpa Vita claimed to be possessed by St Anthony and criticized Italian missionaries for not supporting black saints. She laid the foundation for constructive resistance and influenced many people, however her story is untold.'