DIEZEL – DIEZEL1808

Acrylic and Spray Paint on Stretched Canvas
131cm x 195cm
2018
Ready to Hang

‘NKOSI SIKELEL’E’ by Diezel

In this work, the artist juxtaposes the contrasts and complexities of Africa against each other. It contains elements of the past Obelix was appropriated to represent Europeans who arrived in South Africa more than 370 years ago, and got fat off the land.

It contains elements of the present Obelix is a proud African White who is honouring the national anthem. The present situation has changed from the previous white dominated colonial existence.

At the bottom right, a crocodile (representing danger) is entering the picture, probing questions about the future of Europeans in Africa.