Lot 45: Peju Alatise (Nigerian, born 1975) 'Unconscious Struggle' 274 x 117 x 71cm (107 7/8 x 46 1/16 x 27 15/16in).

Peju Alatise (Nigerian, born 1975)
'Unconscious Struggle'
metal, resin, wood, panadol tablets and acrylic
274 x 117 x 71cm (107 7/8 x 46 1/16 x 27 15/16in).
Footnotes

The artist describes Unconscious Struggle as a critique of the tradition of child marriage. The work expresses her concern that religion in Nigeria is often used to justify gender inequality and violations of human rights. These rights are not protected by the legal system. The sculpture renders visible the vulnerability of these young girls, and the need for government intervention. Faced with the reality of adolescent pregnacy, the viewer is forced to question whether such practices as child marriage can be morally right.