THE MIGRANT

My newest sculpture, The Migrant, is a sculptural work that represents migrants all over the world and activates more conversations about the various faces, stories, and conditions of migration.  In my last installation, Journey Mercies (2021), I was captivated by the utility of the cardboard box for the movement of cargo in globalisation, reflecting on the plethora of migrant experiences that interconnects us as unique minds with intellect and talent, relentlessly displaced and devalued through exploitation and deceit. It transfers the struggle of "other" from individual narrative to a transnational understanding through the durability of a cardboard box.

The theme is carried through to 'The Migrant', a sculptural representation of the unseen, under-documented, steadfast faces of global migration in adverse conditions. Literally and figuratively, my self portrait is purposely placed on this work to evoke the comprehension of my own trials as an African Migrant in relation to others who have also left their homes only to be wrapped up in legal tape that mitigates achieving our goals of a life we want to live. Big media has influenced lots of false information about African migration. That broad racist, stereotypical lens, as well as the long history of continental and diasporic African suppression imposes excessive roadblocks to many living in my country, Nigeria and other African countries. The turmoil of departure is equally matched with marginalisation upon return to the original home. Packed with a multitude of perspectives, prejudice greets us somewhere new or somewhere old, judged by our packaging we either redefine our sense of freedom and identity or shrink back in fear of not belonging to the communities we participate in.

The Migrant in his purest form of self-entitlement crosses the threshold, delivering himself with courage to exist intentionally without prejudicial restrictions. This intentionality and determination have allowed him to grow long legs to walk the distance as he gains new knowledge, learns new points of view, stops to collaborate, and grows in stature. His eyes remain open to his own humanity as it transforms through new learning. Self empowered in his nomadic state he wishes to come and go, a global citizen feeding back into his community the parcels of foundational engagement that benefits them and the migrants that travel after him. He simply seeks the freedom that is accorded to some and unethically restricted to others: the freedom to move and explore globally.

THE MIAMI ART WEEK

For Scope Miami Beach 2022, Nigerian born and London based artist Ken has teamed with Rwandan raised and Paris based curator Roger Niyigena karera to create his very first large scale artwork, “The Migrant”. In this sculpture, the artist uses his self-portrait literally and figuratively speaking; it evokes his own experiences as a migrant.

Artist: Ken Nwadiogbu
Curator: Roger Niyigena Karera

Made possible by: Scope Miami
In partnership with: 193 Gallery

3D Designed by: Funfere Koroye