HISTORY:
Our family is very much into "the Arts" in all it's forms, from music to art to chinaware and even classic old (quality) technology!
Our focus has always been Australian landscapes, both Australian and New Zealand but over the years we also collected some other "interesting" pieces of art that will be seeking new homes as well.
This artwork definitely fits the "interesting and unique" genre, visually appealing (to us) initially but over the years our consciences 'niggled' at us! Eventually we have decided that it must find a new home.
Why has the artwork caused myself some anguish (I hear you ask enquiringly) ?
It is not the subject matter or the visual appeal that has increasingly bothered me (and still does)
This artwork is an example of what is referred to as Butterfly Wing art and this form of art is widespread across the African continent.
Butterflies abound in Africa, particularly the tropical forest areas of Central African Republic, Cameroon, Zambia and Nigeria. To earn an income, the locals catch these beautiful butterflies (there are over 3000 species) in gigantic nets. Those butterflies, specifically the wings, become the raw materials for this artwork. I kid you not! This form of art is akin to a mosaic of butterfly wings!
I guess when I was younger, my focus was on the art and creativity but now .... all I can think about is the tragedy of using what was once a living creature to create the artwork ... it's quite sad.
Look. to be fair, the information on the rear of the artwork suggests the butterflies just "lay down and die" but they were captured and taken out of their environment and to just say "died of natural causes" dismisses what may have really happened.
For me, art in all it's forms is about emotions.
The emotions I feel when looking at this art just doesnt 'gel' any more! Actually my wife still loves the visual appeal but it's not a comfortable feeling knowing how the art was created.
THE ARTIST:
I don't have any information about the artist (Joshua Balaka) who signed this work. I have seen other works from the same artist (and others) but suspect they are not "stand out" internationally reknown artists and simply making a simple living!
But with that said, the work has been very skillfully created and I have noticed that no two artworks (from this artist at least) are the same, another uniqueness I guess you could say!
JOSHUA BALAKA - Local Woman Carrying Basket On Her Upper Back
Signed by the artist
Behind glass
Potrait orientation
Created in the African continent, most likely in one of the countries indicated above
DIMENSIONS (Small)
Frame: 153mm wide x 240mm height
Artwork: 118mm wide x 197mm height
Olive green border to the artwork
HANGING WEIGHT: 250g
COSMETIC CONDITION:
Very clean
NO marks or discolouration to the artwork
NO marks or damage to the wooden frame (Brown)
Rear is correctly, fully sealed with artists brown paper
Information at the rear is clean, no mildew spots and easy to read
Simple hanging hook is in place and secure
As an example of this artform, this piece is in very good condition (non-smoking environment and we always have our art in a temperature controlled environment)
