Lesego Seoketsa, South Africa
Unframed, hand signed and numbered by the artist.
MEDIUM
Fine Art Textured Silk Paper 270gsm | 25% Cotton/75% Cellulose | Natural Tone
SIZE
44,1 x 58,4 cm image and 45,1 x 59,4 cm print
NUMBER OF EDITION
75
Crown of Liberty is inspired by The Statue of Liberty's 7 pointed crown, however the painting depicts only 6 points. The 7 pointed crown is known to symbolise the 7 seas and continents of the world, which strengthens the universal understanding of liberty. I left one point out because it would be false to include Africa as a perceived equal continent as the other 6.
The USA built its foundation through the enslavement of Africans, yet it preaches freedom and equality as if there are no present day consequences. Although The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom, the USA has gone through great lengths to disempower and take away the freedom of others. There is great cognitive dissonance and confusion in the way this country presents itself to the rest of the world.
I have removed the face of the Lady Liberty and painted it black. Black identity has become nuanced and complex because of the limitations brought about by racism in its various manifestations. Black people are in the position to construct identities that have transcended generational trauma, and to accept themselves as liberated people. It takes awareness and discipline to re-learn who you are, and this is the realisation I have come to in the making of this work. The missing point in the crown, which represents Africa, is obscure. My belief is that there is immense potential and power in obscurity. We have the opportunity to re-define what it means to be black and free, we also have the capability to see ourselves beyond the systems that attempt to victimise us.
Liberty belongs to everyone. Everyone deserves the right to exist without the threat of victimisation. Identity has played a big role in the decisions made to exclude people, and this is by far the most ineffective and illogical attempt to disempower people. Having pride in who you are does not make another person inferior, we can all be free and treat each other with compassion even though we are different.
More about the artist
EXCLUSIVE TO UNDISCOVERED CANVAS
Artworks in a limited edition have a set number of prints available for each size offered. For the 45,1 x 59,4 cm size edition, "Crown of Liberty" comes in a limited edition of only 75 prints. Once all 75 of the prints in this edition size have sold out, there will be no other prints of "Crown of Liberty" available in the size of 45,1 x 59,4 cm . Limited edition prints of this artwork may be available in other sizes.
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY
All limited edition prints are accompanied by a signed and numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
Keywords :
African Art, South African Art, Art Work From Africa, Paintings From Africa, Original Art From Africa, African Art Paintings, African Original Art, African Original Paintings, Contemporary African Art, Emerging Artists From Africa, Contemporary African Artists, African Art Print, Affordable African Art