Hidden Structures, Buried Truths
Collection:UAL Art Collection
Date: 2019
Artist: Tiwa Sagoe (Nigerian)
Dimensions:
11 x 13 x 5cm
Medium: Cane and leather
Object number: UAC 987
DescriptionTiwa studied BA Textile Design at Chelsea College of Arts. She says:
'My collection 'Hidden Structures, Buried Truths' intends to shed light on part of the black
British story. It is particularly focused on the Windrush generation. I have taken
inspiration from African building constructions and nomadic structures which have visible
outer skeletons. With these structures it is clear what is upholding the buildings. As for
Britain, after recovering from the WWII, its black workforce became invisible and their
truth was buried.
My work explores a variety of objects with hidden structures whose elements are mixed together to create sculptural creature-like pieces. They are created using African cane and vibrant colours of leather. The decision to use cane as the main feature of the collection is deliberate as I find the potential of cane to be untapped and underestimated. The cane undergoes a series of testing and investigations which has transformed its appearance. Each piece has been intricately and densely constructed to represent and pay homage to the thousands of black people that left their home country for the greater good. Moreover, each piece mixes vibrant colours with dark tones which is intended to mirror black Britons bursting out of the shadows and coming into the light where their story can be told and celebrated.'
'My collection 'Hidden Structures, Buried Truths' intends to shed light on part of the black
British story. It is particularly focused on the Windrush generation. I have taken
inspiration from African building constructions and nomadic structures which have visible
outer skeletons. With these structures it is clear what is upholding the buildings. As for
Britain, after recovering from the WWII, its black workforce became invisible and their
truth was buried.
My work explores a variety of objects with hidden structures whose elements are mixed together to create sculptural creature-like pieces. They are created using African cane and vibrant colours of leather. The decision to use cane as the main feature of the collection is deliberate as I find the potential of cane to be untapped and underestimated. The cane undergoes a series of testing and investigations which has transformed its appearance. Each piece has been intricately and densely constructed to represent and pay homage to the thousands of black people that left their home country for the greater good. Moreover, each piece mixes vibrant colours with dark tones which is intended to mirror black Britons bursting out of the shadows and coming into the light where their story can be told and celebrated.'