art delivery : 03.07.22

Born in Zanzibar, now based in the UK, Lubaina Himid decades long career has been dedicated to “uncovering marginalised and silenced histories”. This installation, from 2004, took my breath away… and that was even before I read the powerful artist statement that goes along with it:

“Naming the Money” is an installation made up of 100 life-size painted cut-out figures. This is the story of the slave/servant but also of the emigre and the asylum seeker. Each cut-out has a real name, each one is able to to say who they actually are but each one lives with their new name and their new unpaid occupation attempting somehow to reconcile the two. Every person in the installation is trying to tell you something, each has a voice that can be heard via the soundtrack playing in the gallery space or as text on an invoice collaged to his/her back. There are ten ceramicists, ten herbalists, ten toy makers, ten dog trainers, ten drummers, ten viol de gamba players, ten dancers, ten shoemakers, ten map makers and ten painters.

True brilliance. Some of Lubaina’s paintings are currently showing at the Tate Modern in London until October 2, 2022. Follow her on Instagram at @lubainapics.

How perfect is this Kusama quote to kick off the anniversary week of our art society!? If you ever find yourself thinking “what’s the point in making art”, THIS is the point. Art and artists can change the world, one idea at a time.

Happy Monday ~ Danielle