Otobong Nkanga is one of the most important international contemporary artists of African descent. She tackles pressing issues related to ecology and the environment, resource exploitation and sustainability, from a standpoint that considers colonial history and the resulting inequalities and social repercussions. For her solo exhibition in Italy’s Castello di Rivoli Museo d'Arte Contemporanea, she developed a series of cords in the TextielLab.
Consisting of a large installation, the exhibition was specially designed for the galleries on the Castello’s third floor. A series of carpets depicts an undefined landscape. The carpets’ irregular shape was inspired by minerals such as quartz and malachite, which have long been used for their healing properties. The carpets extend into the space by means of long, hand-woven cords that, in turn, connect multiple sculptures. Made of wood, glass and terracotta, the sculptures contain additional organic materials or convey sounds, giving the work a performative component.
