Capturing Legacy: The Role of Photography in Celebrating Political Icons

Originally from Belgium and currently residing in Senegal, modern multimedia creator Monteiro also employss photography to commemorate significant political figures. Nevertheless, he does so through a satirical perspective. These pieces, although not displayed in the exhibition, are highlighted in the exhibition catalogue. In her catalogue essay, Nichole N. Bridges, who serves as the exhibition curator and SLAM’s Morton D. May Curator of the Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, elaborates on how the artist critiques various leaders from the independence era who lingered too long in their political roles and misused their authority in post-colonial African governance. In his series titled (P)résidant, Monteiro illustrates two masculine authorities of power amidstst material extravagance. They are seated on a golden throne, a replica of the eagle-shaped throne designed for the dictatorial Jean-Bedél Bokassa, who aimed to dominate the Central African Republic for life during the late 1960s until the late 1970s before facing exile. Monteiro refers to Bokassa in Grand Timonier, analyzing the opulence of his governance.

Narrative Wisdom and African Arts is available for viewing at the Saint Louis Art Museum until February 16. Some information in this blog was derived from the exhibition catalogue. It is accessible for purchase online and in museum retail locations.