Flywhisk c. 1950

This Flywhisk was made by the Yoruba people, and its materials include beads, fiber, and hair. The way the beads are carefully placed reminds me of the methodical approach of pointillism, where each small mark contributes to a larger image. The texture is everything here. The smooth, almost glassy feel of the beads contrasts beautifully with the wild, untamed texture of the horsehair. The colors are rich and earthy, with blues and reds that pop against the brown and beige. If you look closely at the handle, you’ll notice how the beads create patterns and geometric shapes. There’s a real sense of artistry in the way these different materials have been brought together. It makes you think about all the hands that might have worked on this object and the stories it could tell. I am reminded of the work of Nick Cave, who also works with found materials. The Flywhisk, like art itself, embraces the beauty of imperfection and the power of transformation.