TO THE OPPRESSOR. FROM THE OPPRESSED
CONCEPT
LEOPOLD AND VICTORIA MEET CONGO, is a wearable piece that combines the likeness of the oppressor and the oppressed. The concept behind this piece is to juxtapose three major elements: European fashion, wearable masks inspired by the peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and items related to slavery and the slave trade, such as arm and leg shackles.
HISTORY
King Leopold was the ruler of the Congo Free State starting in the 1880s and under his regime, millions of Congolese people suffered and died. Queen Victoria is referenced in the title because, like King Leopold, she ruled the British Empire which was heavily involved in the exploitation of African peoples. During Leopold’s reign, he sent Leon Rom to organize the Congolese for forced participation in the rubber trade, which later turned into anarchy. The limbs of the Congolese men, women, and children were often cut off violently as a form of punishment.
MATERIALS I
For this piece, the gloves that are reminiscent of English Dog-Skin gloves, and the Victorian Era ruff, are meant to represent different tiers of valued material items of the elite class of Europeans. The ruff collar has always visually intrigued me; when I was younger I viewed it as something that was untouchable. Learning about 18th and 19th Century history made me believe that a Black person could never be worthy enough to wear it.
MATERIALS II
The gloves only go up to the upper wrist because, typically, that is how far up the limb of the arm would be cut. The gloves are black to symbolize Black bodies and Black skin. The white on the gloves represents the natural color of rubber. The geometric patterns signify division and predomination. The mask and the shackles are representations of subjugation and the feeling of being physically and mentally constrained. Traditionally, in Congolese masks, there are beads that create patterns of color and line.
