Art Cologne
Past event
Overview
Messeplatz 1 , Cologne, Germany 50679
Booth C139
Samuel Nnorom meticulously weaves, rolls, assembles, stitches, and sews intricate constellations of bubbles, bindles, and ribboned strips, reinterpreting the bubble as a tangible symbol of collective survival, connection, and hope.
His sculptures serve as visual metaphors crafted from offcuts of Ankara fabric, a wax-printed cloth now iconic of African textiles. Though commonly associated with Africa, Ankara's origins lie in Indonesia, from where its designs were commercialized by Dutch merchants during the colonial period. Introduced to West and Central Africa by Black soldiers conscripted into the Dutch colonial army, the fabric’s journey reflects the layered impact of global trade on cultural and geographic identities. By using salvaged Ankara fabric, Samuel Nnorom presents a critical reflection on artisanal heritage and the complexities of provenance.
This presentation at Art Cologne 2024 will showcase a curated selection of new works by Samuel Nnorom. In conjunction with this exhibition, Samuel Nnorom has a solo exhibition at Saatchi Gallery, London.