Jelili Olorunfunmi Atiku

Jelili's sculpture is an analysis of the devastating conditions in Nigerian prisons, especially in the cells for those awaiting trial. Suspects can be held in custody indefinitely in what observers say is a gross violation of their human rights. The piece consists of 61 maquette-size female figures, each of whom portray a different story line and title. They have a placid and 'vegetable' quality: the indistinctness of the bodily parts, the attenuation of the forms and their general lack of corporeality suggest the inhuman conditions which inmates experience. The piece also features a large cage to represent the trial cells.

Year of Entry: 2009
Category: Main Prize
Artform: Sculpture
Location: Nigeria
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