Lot 115: Gerard Quenum (Beninese, born 1971) Dolls

Dolls
wood, dolls, wire, nails, ribbon and plastic
84.5 x 54.5cm (33 1/4 x 21 7/16in).

Like that of many contemporary African artists, Porto-Novo artist Gerard Quenum's work is composed of recycled objects whose diverse histories contribute much to the overall significance of the pieces themselves. But what gives his art its unique twist is his signature use of discarded dolls added to the mix of objets trouvés – that elevates the pieces into witty and whimsical 'portraits' of individuals or types observed in his local environment. These 'portraits' serve as a lens through which we see (or imagine we see) Africa itself.

The dolls are the remains of overseas aid parcels sent to Africa. With his models secured, Quenum begins a process of transformation that most commonly begins with a blow-torch to blacken the white skin and singe the hair into a better approximation of a frizzy 'Afro' hair-style. Before they take their place upon the stages he devises, his actors have at least been 'Africanized'. Now all that remains for Quenum is the weaving of a story around each doll to complete their transformation into players that strut their parts upon his innovative stages. The invention lies in the subtle complexities of the tale as re-told.