Renzo Martens Presents 'Enjoy Poverty' and Cocoa Self-Portraits in Artes Mundi 6 Exhibition
Renzo Martens has been nominated for Artes Mundi 6, showcasing his work at Cardiff's National Museum, Chapter Arts Centre, and ffotogallery until 22 February 2015. His installation features 'Enjoy Poverty', a film that explores labor conditions in Congo since 2004. Martens critiques how images of poverty are commodified in cities such as London and New York, which led to the founding of The Institute for Human Activities in Congo. The installation also includes sculptures from the Congolese Plantation Workers Art League, impacted by the destruction of their art center by Feronia. Martens produced self-portraits using river clay, replicated in cocoa, with proceeds benefiting artists. The winner of the £40,000 prize will be revealed on 22 January 2015.
Key facts
- Renzo Martens is shortlisted for Artes Mundi 6, with an exhibition running until 22 February 2015.
- His project includes the film 'Enjoy Poverty', focusing on labor and poverty in Congo since 2004.
- Martens founded The Institute for Human Activities in Congo to give economic benefits to plantation workers through art.
- Sculptures by the Congolese Plantation Workers Art League are featured, formed from former Unilever plantations.
- Canadian company Feronia destroyed the art centre and confiscated drawings, forcing a relocation.
- Self-portraits made from river clay were reproduced in cocoa via a deal with Barry Callebaut in Amsterdam.
- All profits from the artworks go to the plantation worker artists, such as Nestor Mbau and Jeremy Magiela.
- The Artes Mundi prize of £40,000 will be awarded on 22 January 2015, with Martens planning to use it for studio spaces.
Entities
Artists
- Renzo Martens
- Bruce Nauman
- Carsten Holler
- Tino Seghal
- Omer Fast
- Theaster Gates
- Nestor Mbau
- Jeremy Magiela
- Mbuku
- Emery Muhanga
Institutions
- Artes Mundi
- National Museum Cardiff
- Chapter Arts Centre
- ffotogallery
- The Institute for Human Activities
- Congolese Plantation Workers Art League
- Unilever
- Tate Modern
- Feronia
- Barry Callebaut
- Sainsbury's
Locations
- Cardiff
- Wales
- United Kingdom
- Congo
- London
- England
- New York
- United States
- Berlin
- Germany
- Amsterdam
- Netherlands
- Central Africa