Angel Of Africa
The continent of Africa has always intrigued me. This vast and diverse land is actually much larger than we are led to believe. China,Europe,India and North America comfortably fit within Africa’s land mass, although on any world map, it is displayed as being no larger than Greenland.
Africa’s indigenous name is Alkebulan, meaning(revealingly) `Garden of Eden`or `Mother of Mankind`.
After centuries of colonial interference, Africa’s 50 nations have still had to endure a recent history of impunitive colonial brutality, proxy wars, slavery, exploitation and the plundering of its precious resources which are so coveted by the (so called) developed world. Many of Africa’s people still survive from day to day in abject poverty, despite its incredible wealth of resources. In spite of this, the people of Africa remain positive, creative and deeply spiritual. Indeed, we(in the West) have much to learn from them and would benefit from many of their core values and practices, such as community-based decision making, extended family structures, Ubuntu philosophy and traditional ecological knowledge. I made this piece as an angel to honour this magnificent continent and her beautiful, vibrant people - and significantly, because I have never seen an angel of African ethnicity. I do not believe that (until now) an angel of colour existed so, in a way, this is also an attempt to shed another layer of institutionalised colonial racism, drawing influence from the old religious traditions of African culture and merging them with the newer Abrahamic religions.
She is portrayed as a spirit of defiance; sensual and strong gently cupping the world in her right hand symbolising her ancient and proud legacy to the planet. Fertile and dynamic, she is ready to take flight-to break away from the bondage of corruption and external interference. She is Alkebulan, The Angel of Africa. Mother of Mankind.
