ABOUT THE WORK
Material: Antique Venetian Rosetta glass canes, 20mm firearm bullet links
“In Trade Beads Constantine Zlatev explores early manifestations of the arms trade and underlines its importance during the colonial era. In this... Read More
“In Trade Beads Constantine Zlatev explores early manifestations of the arms trade and underlines its importance during the colonial era. In this work he places antique Venetian Murano glass beads in ammunition belts, creating sculptures evoking the forms of modern arms and munitions.
From the fifteenth century Murano beads were a favoured means of barter for European traders seeking to secure trade routes for arms, slaves and resources in Africa and the Americas. By bringing together the historical artefact with the modern ammunition belt the work raises questions about the extent to which aspects of the arms trade maintain neo-colonial structures in the present age. With their weapons, the countries of the Global North export instability to the countries of the Global South – as well as imposing economic dependency.”- Curatorial text from the 'Up in Arms' catalogue, an exhibition and research project produced by nGBK, Berlin.
