Illuminating the night with a futuristic glow, Zak Ové’s grand sculpture takes imagery native to a shared Black African cultural heritage and merges it with elements that tantalize the imagination, akin to scenes from a captivating sci-fi epic. Hosted by Gallery 1957, London between the 20th of September and the 29th of October 2023 at the popular free public art exhibition - Frieze Sculpture, Zak Ové presents his largest sculpture to date, a heavily thematic spectacle titled - ‘The Mothership Connection’.
The Mothership Connection, Frieze Sculpture, presented by Gallery 1957, 20 September - 29 October 2023, Gallery1957.com
In the words of Marwan Zakhem, Founder of Gallery 1957, "We are pleased to be working with Zak Ové, a visionary artist whose work resonates deeply with Gallery 1957’s commitment to champion wider conversations on Black identity. Being part of Frieze Sculpture for the first time and expanding our presence to Frieze Seoul are significant milestones for the gallery.They are testament to our dedication to promote art from the African Diaspora on a global scale."
Ové, whose public sculptural installations, including the acclaimed 'Moko Jumbies' at the British Museum in London in 2015, have earned him widespread acclaim, has now crafted a remarkable nine-meter-tall totemic structure.
The Mothership Connection, Frieze Sculpture, presented by Gallery 1957, 20 September - 29 October 2023, Gallery1957.com
This awe-inspiring creation pays homage to two distinct yet interconnected narratives - the iconic 1975 album by the Afrofuturist Funkadelic ensemble, 'Parliament' of the same name, as well as the unheralded contributions of the African Diaspora to Western society, particularly through the labor of slaves who played key roles in the construction of historically significant Western edifices, such as Washington's Capitol building, bringing to question, not only the historical narratives around the conception of such monuments, but also the tangible problem of the relegation of black work and creation, and how art can connect the past, present and the future.
Its structure pays homage to ancient African architecture, including the renowned Djenné mud mosque of Mali, as well as other African traditions, including the oversized Mende helmet mask, traditionally worn exclusively by Sierra Leonean women during healing ceremonies. Ové masterfully reinterprets this mask as a symbol of healing for the often-overlooked suffering of the invisible African Diaspora. It becomes a powerful emblem of shared struggle and collective healing.
The Mothership Connection, Frieze Sculpture, presented by Gallery 1957, 20 September - 29 October 2023, Gallery1957.com
“I am thrilled that the public will have the opportunity to experience ‘The Mothership Connection” at Frieze Sculpture. Through this sculpture, I aim to create a space for dialogue and reflection, igniting conversations that inspire a greater understanding of contributions from Black communities to modern history.”
Zak Ové
The Mothership Connection, Frieze Sculpture, presented by Gallery 1957, 20 September - 29 October 2023, Gallery1957.com
Much like 'Mothership Connection,' the iconic musical album by Parliament, Ové's towering sculpture embarks on a cosmic journey through art. It delves into themes of technological progress through the lens of 'Afrofuturism,' while also evoking cosmic and supernatural elements. It is a harmonious blend of artistic expression that invites viewers to ponder the mysteries of the universe and the rich tapestry of Black culture woven into the fabric of history.
The Mothership Connection, Frieze Sculpture, presented by Gallery 1957, 20 September - 29 October 2023, Gallery1957.com
In 'The Mothership Connection', Zak Ové invites us to embark on a transcendental voyage, where art and culture intermingle to create a celestial narrative that both captivates and inspires.
Courtesy of Zak Ové and Gallery 1957
Illuminating the night with a futuristic glow, Zak Ové’s grand sculpture takes imagery native to a shared Black African cultural heritage and merges it with elements that tantalize the imagination, akin to scenes from a captivating sci-fi epic. Hosted by Gallery 1957, London between the 20th of September and the 29th of October 2023 at the popular free public art exhibition - Frieze Sculpture, Zak Ové presents his largest sculpture to date, a heavily thematic spectacle titled - ‘The Mothership Connection’.
The Mothership Connection, Frieze Sculpture, presented by Gallery 1957, 20 September - 29 October 2023, Gallery1957.com
In the words of Marwan Zakhem, Founder of Gallery 1957, "We are pleased to be working with Zak Ové, a visionary artist whose work resonates deeply with Gallery 1957’s commitment to champion wider conversations on Black identity. Being part of Frieze Sculpture for the first time and expanding our presence to Frieze Seoul are significant milestones for the gallery.They are testament to our dedication to promote art from the African Diaspora on a global scale."
Ové, whose public sculptural installations, including the acclaimed 'Moko Jumbies' at the British Museum in London in 2015, have earned him widespread acclaim, has now crafted a remarkable nine-meter-tall totemic structure.
The Mothership Connection, Frieze Sculpture, presented by Gallery 1957, 20 September - 29 October 2023, Gallery1957.com
This awe-inspiring creation pays homage to two distinct yet interconnected narratives - the iconic 1975 album by the Afrofuturist Funkadelic ensemble, 'Parliament' of the same name, as well as the unheralded contributions of the African Diaspora to Western society, particularly through the labor of slaves who played key roles in the construction of historically significant Western edifices, such as Washington's Capitol building, bringing to question, not only the historical narratives around the conception of such monuments, but also the tangible problem of the relegation of black work and creation, and how art can connect the past, present and the future.
Its structure pays homage to ancient African architecture, including the renowned Djenné mud mosque of Mali, as well as other African traditions, including the oversized Mende helmet mask, traditionally worn exclusively by Sierra Leonean women during healing ceremonies. Ové masterfully reinterprets this mask as a symbol of healing for the often-overlooked suffering of the invisible African Diaspora. It becomes a powerful emblem of shared struggle and collective healing.
The Mothership Connection, Frieze Sculpture, presented by Gallery 1957, 20 September - 29 October 2023, Gallery1957.com
“I am thrilled that the public will have the opportunity to experience ‘The Mothership Connection” at Frieze Sculpture. Through this sculpture, I aim to create a space for dialogue and reflection, igniting conversations that inspire a greater understanding of contributions from Black communities to modern history.”
Zak Ové
The Mothership Connection, Frieze Sculpture, presented by Gallery 1957, 20 September - 29 October 2023, Gallery1957.com
Much like 'Mothership Connection,' the iconic musical album by Parliament, Ové's towering sculpture embarks on a cosmic journey through art. It delves into themes of technological progress through the lens of 'Afrofuturism,' while also evoking cosmic and supernatural elements. It is a harmonious blend of artistic expression that invites viewers to ponder the mysteries of the universe and the rich tapestry of Black culture woven into the fabric of history.
The Mothership Connection, Frieze Sculpture, presented by Gallery 1957, 20 September - 29 October 2023, Gallery1957.com
In 'The Mothership Connection', Zak Ové invites us to embark on a transcendental voyage, where art and culture intermingle to create a celestial narrative that both captivates and inspires.
Courtesy of Zak Ové and Gallery 1957
