Berni SEARLE South African, b. 1964
Lament: Lament IV, 2011
Archival pigment ink on Baryta paper
80 x 91 cm
Framed: 83.5 x 94 x 4.5 cm
Framed: 83.5 x 94 x 4.5 cm
Edition 2 of 5 + 2 AP
This work came out of a series she did based on the Gothic Chamber in Bruges’ town hall. With her hands painted in gold leaf, she performed in the space,...
This work came out of a series she did based on the Gothic Chamber in Bruges’ town hall. With her hands painted in gold leaf, she performed in the space, veiled in black lace. The Gothic Chamber was refurbished under King Leopold II, responsible for the plunder of the Congo for his own enrichment, and Searle's gilded hands are a reminder of the atrocities committed against the Congolese, which included the severing of hands and feet.
Searle's performance, with black lace against her skin, recalls ceremonial body ornament and tattoos, touching on another loaded history of ownership and slavery.
Searle's performance, with black lace against her skin, recalls ceremonial body ornament and tattoos, touching on another loaded history of ownership and slavery.
Join our mailing list
* denotes required fields
We will process the personal data you have supplied to communicate with you in accordance with our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe or change your preferences at any time by clicking the link in our emails.