In terms of the ability to reflect on African identity, memory, and the cultural aspects which are often marginalized and ignored, this Abosede’s work titled “Threads of the Unspoken” solo exhibition August 12th – 18th 2023 , Onobrak Art Centre, Ughelli, Delta State.. the work deserves special consideration.Unlike
Unlike other pieces where artist discusses issues of identity and memory in a rather obvious way, this artwork reveals the ideas of identity, memory, and culture in terms of the elements of culture which were ignored or concealed because of being unsaid, those stories that helped create the current picture of African culture, history, and philosophy.
In particular, the artwork depicts the image of a person depicted from the back and wearing a dress made of beads and cowries with gourds around. The use of the back of the person in place of her front is very important.
The earthy tones in the background merge seamlessly into the gourds and cowries that are strewn across the floor. Through the use of predominantly deep reds and browns, there is a definite association with the earth and indigenous materials.The
The lighting used in this image is gentle yet controlling, allowing for a focus on the texture of the beads, the skin, and the artifacts. It is the beads themselves that seem to be the focus in this particular piece of art work. Beads serve a very important symbolic purpose within many African cultures as an expression of beauty, status, and even cultural identity.
Here though, they seem weighted down and oppressive. This could symbolize the burden of history through the pride in one’s cultural heritage and the loss of what is beautiful in this culture’s past. Gourds and cowries are also symbolic here. The cowry was once used as money while the gourd served as a holder and protector.
These objects together represent a rich cultural tradition. Sadly, such cultural artifacts have been misinterpreted and trivialized due to a lack of understanding.
And here lies the significance of the concept of the “unspoken.” The culture, history, and philosophy of Africa have, many times, been articulated through the mouths of others in colonial or postcolonial periods. Many stories remain untold while others have been misinterpreted and twisted, leading the Africans’ knowledge system and philosophical ideas to be inferiorized. In addition, the rich African philosophies, which include communalism, spirituality, and existentialism, are often marginalized or overlooked.
In a bid to reverse this trend, : Deborah Abosede Ibeme has chosen to portray the cultural symbolism in an articulate manner. The lack of the face could mean that the voice is missing the fact that many African stories have been told from other people’s perspectives in the past and not by the Africans themselves.On
the other hand, the bold portrayal of the body and the adornments shows that the African stories are still alive, but just unspoken.The photograph is both beautiful and serious. It draws the viewer in with its rich colours and textures, but it also encourages deeper thinking.However
, because the image is highly staged and controlled, it may feel distant from everyday life. Some viewers might see it as symbolic rather than real. Yet this does not weaken the work; instead, it shows that the artist is using art as a way to reflect and question, rather than simply to document.
In conclusion, Deborah Abosede Ibeme’s photograph in Threads of the Unspoken is a strong and meaningful exploration of the hidden parts of African culture. It reminds us that what is not said can be just as important as what is spoken.The
The work challenges past misunderstandings and invites a deeper respect for African history and philosophy. Through this image, Ibeme gives form to silence and encourages a more thoughtful and informed view of African identity.
By Funke Ose -Brown