The Madness of this World

Out of Africa and into Contemporary Folk Art

Karin’s collection is inspired by nkisis which are fetish figures from Congo.  First encountered by missionaries in the villages and towns of the Lower Congo, they were considered devil images.  They were rudely carved and covered with dirty rags and have a ferocious appearance. 

Different in size and purpose, some figures are called healing fetish, others are malevolent that cause sickness and are called npezo.  The most malevolent of all is konde or nkonde, the nail fetish, that inflicts serious illness upon people who are believed to be troublesome.

Karin’s extensive research found that the konde figures possess a threatening appearance with a dagger and nails driven into their bodies, which is weakened by the laughing and iron expression on the face. Some, however, appear dreamy and peaceful

Nails and knife stabs have much to do with the total expression of konde figures.  The meaning of knife stabs or nails driven into vital parts of the Body are an offering for benefits received. 

A nail may also be driven into the mage by a sick person to pass on his complaint to an enemy, who, he thinks, sent it to him. 

There is also a theory that they are influenced by the Christian dea of the nail symbolising Christ’s suffering.

Nkisi Male - artist comments

The interpretation of a two-dimensional nkisi on canvas, which I developed the feature of a medicine cabinet that I cut into the canvas and made a compartment with metal doors on hinges with real medicine bottles inside it.
 
This nkisi has a fabric scarf and eyes made from mirror pieces. 

I used feathers for the headdress and flowers as a symbol of offerings made by a chief. 

Nails are stuck into the canvas and a dagger placed in his hand.

Nkisi Female – artist comments

I made a female nkisi which includes all aspects of being a woman and what it means.  References are made to fertility, birth, goddesses, witches and harpies (evil demons - half bird and half woman.)

To depict this, I made breasts and a uterus compartment with dolls inside, to symbolise the fertility goddesses who exist in mythology and cultures.

The ‘nasty’ side of women often seems to be portrayed by witches and the kisi culture has a fear of them and their magic.

Nkisi Peace – artist comments

I made this nkisi about improving the state of the world and celebrating being
alive!  This could be small things like supporting a charity or doing voluntary work. 

Instead of nails and spear I have created foam board pieces with messages, goals and ideas for the world into the canvas.
The figure is collaged with the world map to help people find their way in life and to travel to broaden their minds.  The medicine cupboard in the painting is full of world healing potions.

The Fashion World and into Contemporary Folk Art

Karin’s collection is inspired by fashion magazines and life in fashion.

Artist comments

I made small collages using fashion magazines.  Afterwards, I painted and enlarged the concept onto canvas using 3D collage, including painting images of the Bayeux Tapestry.
I then used materials and added a fur frame to the paintings.

I call the paintings Fashion Model at the Bayeux Tapestry.  The Bayeux Tapestry is my favourite piece of art and I love to visit it when I can.