Wangechi
Mutu
Complete Prolapsus of the Uterus
2004, Glitter, ink, collage on found extremely
fragile medical illustration paper
46 x 31cm |
Wangechi Mutu trained as both a sculptor and anthropologist.
Complete Prolapsus of the Uterus illustrates the marriage
of these interests. Through collage, Mutu capitalised on
the two-sided nature of her materials, conveying both the
content and physicality of their sources. In using old medical
diagrams, her collages carry the authenticity of artefact,
as well as an appointed cultural value. In Complete Prolapsusof
the Uterus Mutu contrives a racial hybrid: a puckered, prudish
white face masks an ancient tribal wisdom. Mutu examines
how ideology is implicitly tied to corporeal form. She cites
a European preference of physique, inflicted on and adapted
by Africans, resulting in hierarchical difference and genocide.
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