As a global citizen with roots deeply entrenched in both the US and Nigeria, I find Anthony Olubunmi Akinbola‘s work at Galerie Krinzinger profoundly resonant. His exhibition, “Western Beef,” masterfully dissects the intricate dynamics of cultural exports, a topic that has long been a subject of fascination for me, given my own experiences navigating multiple cultural landscapes.
As I wander through Galerie Krinzinger, I find myself immersed in Anthony Olubunmi Akinbola’s animal farm. A pack of fifteen intricately carved wooden goats roam freely within the gallery walls, each one a testament to the artist’s skill. Yet, one goat stands out – it bears my own face, caught in a process of being transformed into an object.
As a gamer, I find myself drawn to the intriguing title “Western Beef”, echoing the famous discount grocery chain in New York City. Akinbola’s work ignites my curiosity about how African cultural artifacts are reshaped when they cross the Atlantic. In essence, this game is a metaphorical quest: “Is it more authentic to embody a goat through a wooden idol or its skin being processed on an assembly line?
The exhibition showcases various installations that highlight each step of the supply chain, with the goat serving as a starting point for discussions about race, commodities, and mass production. From birth to processing, we follow the journey of the goat. In the reflective “Carousel,” time seems to stand still as hides continuously revolve around the gallery. On the other hand, “Raw Potential” presents a tower of Nigerian leather destined for export, often utilized by upscale brands in America and Europe, hinting at themes of exoticism and luxury.
The artwork titled “Western Beef” is centered around Akinbola’s intrigue with items when they are moved from their usual surroundings and illuminated symbolically. This work takes us on a journey across landscapes of global production, offering a vision of awakening, where individuality and control become more prominent.
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The exhibition is now on view at Galerie Krinzinger in Vienna until October 30, 2024.
Galerie Krinzinger
Seilerstätte 16,
1010 Wien,
Austria
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2024-10-05 00:55