Wangechi Mutu Jenn

Wangechi Mutu Variety of mediums, from sculpture and paper works to video and installations. Known for collage works on paper, sourcing imagery from lots of different sources, such as National Geographic, Vogue and porn magazines. Works in a distinct style known as Afrofuturism: Afrofuturism – cultural aesthetic that combines science-fiction, history and fantasy to explore the African-American experience, connecting those with their forgotten African ancestry.

Fibroid Tumors of the Uterus 2005 Collage on found medical illustration paper 45.7 x 32.4cm Concepts Criticism of the conventions of society, exploring race, gender, sexual identity and the oppression of women. She confronts the missing attention to black women within society, “It’s kind of an ironic thing that I’m producing that image out of the very lack of it.” Concerned with the many forms of violence and misrepresentation of women, especially black women, in the contemporary world. Distorted female forms with swollen skin. Their bodies half human, half animal, placed in surreal landscapes.

Historical inspiration Influenced by her upbringing in Africa. As a child she watched Western films and TV shows and noticed how her culture was rarely portrayed, and when it was she felt it wasn’t accurate. The shows had predominantly white actors and there was no representation of young African urban kids. Inspired by the past women in her family. She credits them for handling the pressures of motherhood within a troubled time of war. Adult Female Sexual Organs (2005) packing tape, fur, collage on found medical illustration paper 46 x 31cm

Style Futuristic looking collages + conflicting sense of horror and beauty. Using materials which make reference to African identity Black glitter symbolising western culture, with references to the illegal diamond trade and its consequences of war. Suggestive of corruption and violence. Wangechi Mutu Cancer of the Uterus (2005) Glitter, fur, collage on found medical illustration paper 46 x 31cm

A dragon kiss always ends in ashes (2007) Ink, paint, mixed media, plant material and plastic pearls on Mylar 233.7 x 134.6 cm 92 1/8 x 53 in

The End of Eating Everything (2013) Clip from 8-minute film, as part of exhibition; Wangechi Mutu: A Fantastic Journey Collaboration between Wangechi and Santigold https://www.youtub e.com/watch?v=wM ZSCfqOVs

She’s got the whole world in her (2015) Mannequin, wood, horn, paper maché, wax, disco ball, and found objects 274.3 × 152.4 × 106.7 cm

Bibliography https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMZSCfqOxVs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWd64sQK_yU Https://www.victoria-miro.com/artists/9-wangechi-mutu/works/artworks9556/ https://www.saatchigallery.com/artists/wangechi_mutu_resources.htm