Denk-mal: Relics in Crisis

Larry Bonćhaka © Larry Bonćhaka

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Larry Bonćhaka (b. 1994)

Based in Frankfurt, Germany

Instagram: @real.lbonchaka

Artist Profile

Sakhile&Me is thrilled to present "Denk-mal: Relics in Crisis", a solo exhibition with Frankfurt-based conceptual artist, Larry Bonćhaka. The exhibition opens on August 24th and coincides with the Frankfurt Art Experience, taking place from September 8-10. The show will conclude on October 7th.

"Relics in Crisis" is an ongoing series of works and performances by Larry Bonćhaka, with the iconic "Auntie DeiDei" dolls, the first mass-produced plastic doll made in West Africa, at the center. "Denkmal" holds a double connotation in German, meaning "monument" but also serving as an incitement to think when written as two words in the form of "denk mal". As part of the show, Larry Bonćhaka will present a critical collection of relics, archival photos and texts, prints, collectibles, and collages that together explore themes of archiving and reflections on related topics including retrospection, time, travel, and trade.

The exhibition includes screen prints, archival photographs, collage works on paper, wall sculptures and three installation pieces, one self-standing in the center of the space, one with Auntie DeiDei dolls embedded in the gallery library collection, encompassing the entire library floor to ceiling and another forming a curtain visitors must encounter and weave their way through from the front room into the main viewing room. The layering of materials within the work varies, to include synthetic indigo, gold leaf, water color, ink, recycled plastic, wallpaper, archival calligraphy paper, and an alter with a small print on canvas surrounded by a bed of coins and trinkets.

On the occasion of the exhibition, we have released a limited-edition print of the exhibition poster for "Denk-mal: Relics in Crisis" in collaboration with Larry Bonćhaka.