Kalunga: Under the Sea
Paula do Prado & Tomas Marinangeli
Gallery 3
Opening 04.03.20 6-8pm
Artist Talks 26.03.20 6-7pm
For six year old Tomas the sea represents a vibrant magical place full of wonder and discovery. In his art he has depicted himself as a diver swimming with colourful fish. In particular he is fascinated by all types of sharks, swordfish and octopi. Tomas will also often introduce himself as being “nearly 7 and a water snake”. In contrast I have great reverence for the sea but it terrifies me. I cannot swim and although I love to be near water, I much prefer land. Tomas said perhaps working on this exhibition was my opportunity to face my greatest fear.
Kalunga is a word of Kikongo origin a Bantu language spoken in many parts of Africa. Kalunga can refer to the ocean or the divine, it is thought to mean “threshold between two worlds” . The Kalunga line in particular refers to a line in the Atlantic ocean referencing the middle passage, a line between the living and the dead and point of cross over. Kalunga, Mami Wata, Dona Fish, Mamba Muntu, Mamisii, Yemanja, Ouata, Uati, Aururu and the list of names go on. These all have in common a reference to water spirits of African origin, most popularly represented as a mermaid like figure with the tail of a fish or large serpent.
Through making this work I found myself reflecting on the spiritual connection our ancestors had with the sea and how these intergenerational experiences and memories play out today. This is our second joint exhibition as mother and son. Our collaborative research, joint art making and lively discussions provide a space for us play, experiment and learn from each other. This body of work represents our working through complex themes and ideas embedded in the tension between fear and curiosity.
Images:
Paula do Prado, Anaconda, 2020, Wool and acrylic yarn, paper covered wire, fabric, polyfill, plastic netting, glass seed beads, plastic beads, 110 x 75 x 5cm. Photo: Document Photography
Paula do Prado, Kalunga, 2020, Wool and acrylic yarn, paper covered wire, plastic netting, plastic beads, 120 x 85 x 5cm. Photo: Document Photography
Tomas Marinangeli, Portal to the water spirits, 2020, Acrylic on canvas, 40.64cm diameter.Photo: Document Photography