Adebunmi Gbadebo Reconstructs Enslaved Ancestors' History at Venice Biennale
Adebunmi Gbadebo uses earth, indigo, rice, and human hair to reconstruct the history of her enslaved ancestors, currently on view at the Venice Biennale. Her clay vessels feature teeth made of rice and curls of human hair, with lips and bellies, staring blankly. The materials carry stories of suffering: Carolina Gold rice, indigo, and red clay from a rural cemetery near the True Blue plantation. The artist makes visible suppressed memories through these tactile, charged works.
Key facts
- Adebunmi Gbadebo is an artist.
- She uses earth, indigo, rice, and human hair as materials.
- Her work reconstructs the history of her enslaved ancestors.
- The work is currently on view at the Venice Biennale.
- Her clay vessels have teeth made of rice and curls of human hair.
- The vessels have lips and bellies and stare blankly.
- Materials include Carolina Gold rice, indigo, and red clay.
- The red clay comes from a rural cemetery near the True Blue plantation.
Entities
Artists
- Adebunmi Gbadebo
Institutions
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- True Blue plantation