Era of TDC (2024)

azobe and pine beams

The sculptural installation invites the viewers to reflect on emotions, labour, and resilience invested into the craftiness of these pieces and the history of aged beams and pillars (Azobe and Pine wood) that hold most architectural buildings. However, the visibility of those forged metals, nails, and scars buried within the tissue of the timber leaves us in suspense, challenging us to imagine its past and the hands involved. Era of TDC* is a reminder of my personal experience and childhood memories of the hard labour of my parents in the 90s. I have witnessed their fear and emotions as they escape task forces.

Within the Netherlands, the materials utilized for these sculptures bear their own unique and significant history that I might not be familiar with. Still, it immediately reminded me of hard labour, as certain beams date back to the era of slavery and colonialism. Their resistance to decaying fascinated me, which eventually influenced and guided how I carved out figures as though I could see those labourers and families trapped in them.

* Tema Development Company