AKAA Raquel van Haver

WORKS FOR AKAA

At the focus of our presentation at the AKAA are two large canvas works from the series Amo a la Reina. 

This work talks about female social leaders in Colombia . From every region of the country where she gives space and voice to woman who are battling against old structures- colonial structures- economic crisis- aftermath of the warm- gender issues and many more.

Raquel van Havers artistic work is a new sequence of figurative compositions in which she processed her experiences and impressions on trips to Zimbabwe, Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, and other countries. These paintings are characterized by a very specific language of form and great material complexity. They are monumental, collage-like constructs that are applied layer by layer on sackcloth with plaster, oil and spray paint, plastic, charcoal, tar, paper, ash, etc.

In addition to the paintings by Raquel van Haver, ARTCO present several large-format Diasec photo collages from her A SHRINE OF DEITY series, which were created during her stay in Lagos, Nigeria, by invitation by Azu Nwagbogu to produce works for Lagos Photo. 

The collages on which these photographic works are based consist of photographs, drawings and paintings by the artist, which were supplemented with found objects from various materials, photographed and digitally revised.

In these pictures, the viewer discovers street scenes, moments from everyday life in Nigeria. This series depicts on a small community in the middle of Lagos centre. Where old forms and structures are still thriving and where the community has to form itself to an urban way of living. The group area boys that the series is talking about is led by a strong woman.

All works by Raquel van Havel are talking about structures, colonialism history gender issues but also it always shows the connections we have as human beings.

Recent exhibitions

Zoom Talk with AZU Nwagbogu