We are in Shenzhen, China 2008

The work that has been created in Shenzhen, China in the last 2 months was influenced by the work of Chinese artist Wang Guangyi whose work I encountered in the He Xiangning Art Museum. His large wooden sculptural work of propaganda figures appeared to me to be inherently African. Their strong gestural poses symbolised for me, a patriotism and a silent determination that exists amoung the Chinese people. Since my own country is enduring a time of political turmoil and change, I decided to make use of these figures as a starting point for my paintings. I have used, altered and added figures to reflect some of the development of Shenzhen in the last 30 years and to symbolise the presence and exchange of Chinese and African cultures. I have included political figure and visionary of Shenzhen, Deng Xiaoping and have symbolised foreign investment, construction and development, the one child family plan as well as an African figure which shows our African culture and presence here in Shenzhen.

Not being able to understand the Chinese language has created for me a notion of deafness where most of what I have experienced has been visually observed. The sculptures of Guangyi stand silent and static in the white clinical exhibition space but they express, without words so much of what China is about... hard work, determination, endurance and a rich culture. My silent African observation and experience of the history, the culture and the people of Shenzhen and China is reflected in my paintings. I wish to highlight the vast number of cultural and figurative nuances and exchange that has taken place during our stay here and wish to reflect it as successful and enriching.