Samuel Olou Komlan

The seven ceramic heads that Samuel Olou Komlan has made represent the G7 countries, which are seven of the wealthiest countries on the planet. The heads vary somewhat in their colour, surface, and execution, but what they have in common is that their eyes are closed, covered, or missing. Komlan is clearly commenting on how the wealthiest countries view the others, but the work is nevertheless poetic enough to encompass other interpretations.  
Komlan is inspired by multiple sources. Throughout art history there are several works, especially from the 16th and 17th centuries, that feature the motif of the blind leading the blind. These works were meant to lead to a critical reflection on society. Some of these representations were accompanied by brief texts detailing worst-case scenarios. Although such art had perhaps a different purpose at the time, the experiences and reflections that Komlan shares here build on things his predecessors pointed out centuries ago. GH