Power figure c. early 20th century

This “Power figure” was made by the Kongo people using wood, nails, rope, and other materials. Look at it! The process seems so additive. It's like they kept going, layering on intentions. The sculpture has this dense, almost violent texture from all the nails sticking out. They create a physical barrier, yet they’re also a record of acts and vows. There’s a box hanging at the front, which is also really striking. Its surface has a window, an opening to something unknown but potentially very powerful. It reminds me of some of the assemblage work by Noah Purifoy, who was also working with found objects and giving them new life and meaning. Both artists embrace the idea that art can be a form of ongoing conversation, where things don't necessarily have fixed or definitive meanings.