Art Funded by you

In Pursuit of Bling: Indulgence

Otobong Nkanga, 2014

Otobong Nkanga’s In Pursuit of Bling: Indulgence is a photographic work that shows the artist about to consume a precious mineral. The stone is mica, an iridescent rock mined around the world for many uses, including that of giving added sparkle to cosmetics.

The themes of excessive consumption, exploitation and environmental catastrophe are typical of the concerns raised in Nkanga’s practice. Using sculpture, video, weaving, photography, painting and drawing, she investigates the impact of our existence on the planet, as well as on our fellow human beings. A particular focus of interest for Nkanga is the colonial and post-colonial extraction of minerals and oil on the continent of Africa.

Born in Nigeria, Nkanga studied art at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, and continued her studies at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris and DasArts in Amsterdam. She now lives and works in Antwerp.

In Pursuit of Bling: Indulgence resonates with many works in MIMA’s collection, which has strong connections to the city’s historic role as an industrial, shipping and mining centre.

It also makes an important step in increasing the diversity of artists represented by the gallery.

More information

Title of artwork, date

In Pursuit of Bling: Indulgence, 2014

Date supported

2020

Medium and material

Chromogenic print on paper

Dimensions

40 x 60

Grant

3061

Total cost

4244

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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