Kapanlagi Plus - Seni consistently presents distinctive events to convey its message, utilizing various artistic forms, whether it be through 2D or 3D mediums. One such example is the statue, which holds its own significance in delivering profound messages.
As we know that sculpture is a 3D art form that has volume. In other words we can touch it. Even feeling the shape very clearly.
Starting from statues in the form of monuments to humans, there must be a meaning behind their creation. Call it a monument statue. Monument statues are built in such a way with the intention of commemorating an event or as a form of appreciation for someone.
It’s the same with human statues. Human statues are often made in the form to resemble the original. And it is possible that human statues were made as a form of respect, appreciation, or even compassion. For example, the following statues!
An Instagram account named @artselects is an account that summarizes various kinds of works of art in the world, including sculptures. Yesterday this account uploaded a post as usual. But there is something different from the post this time. If usually this account uploads photos of works of art that seem cheerful or funny, yesterday the impression of suffering actually felt so thick.
Is a multiple post consisting of 6 photographs depicting a statue which is the source of the impression of this suffering. In these 6 photos you will see a number of male and female human statues, even a sad little child.
All of these photos are a form of compassion for a past event called the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The Transatlantic Slave Trade was an event where 10 to 12 million Africans were taken away from their countries and forcibly trafficked. Events in the 16th to 19th centuries made America the destination for these African people to be traded. Where they will be taken by a large ship across the Atlantic Ocean to go to America. That’s why this event is called the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
If you pay attention, these statues are made of clay which is painted black. On the neck, hands and feet are given a chain that is allowed to rust by itself because it is exposed to the heat and rain.
They are also described as not wearing any other clothing, apart from a piece of cloth that only covers their lower vital organs. Look at the expressions on their faces that are lethargic, sad, and helpless. Even worse, there is a statue of a woman holding a crying baby boy.
Viewed from a farther distance, the figure of the female statue is seen pointing its hand towards the male statue in front of it. As if he was asking for help. Meanwhile, the male statue itself is also ‘locked’ with a number of chains on its body.
The statues of men and women above are seen sitting crouching. Judging by the expressions on their faces they had given up and didn’t know how to save themselves. It was as if they were forced and threatened so they didn’t dare to do anything.
It is Kwame Akoto-Bamfo, a sculptor in this sad state. He is a sculptor from Africa, to be precise from Ghana. According to written information, Bamfo dedicated these statues to commemorate the human trafficking incident that occurred hundreds of years ago. Now his work is being exhibited at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice Museum located in Montgomery, Alabama.
