"The Keeper" (2023)
Installation: digital print on paper
"The Keeper" is a project created in memory of the Luso-Congolese artist Paulo Kapela. As a fellow victim of the poor social conditions in Angola, his loss was difficult for Yonamine as he not only lost his friend but also a father or a brother. Kapela was an artist who was completely disconnected from the world of material consumerism, of few words, observant and sympathetic. His artworks created a very strong syncretistic universe that one could sense from his installations that consisted of various materials – from a policeman’s hat to the head of a mannequin (half European and half African), painted stones, bottles, red plastic flowers, newspapers about art and politics, handcraft pieces recreated by the artist, sculptures made of black wood, posters used in propaganda campaigns, icons of the Angolan revolution, and motifs that remind of punk-pop and reggae cultures. "The Keeper" showcases Yonamine's decision to keep the teachings shared by Kapela in the fight for rights – solidarity and goodwill among men.
A counterpart and continuation of this installation is presented at the sister exhibition Long-distance Friendships at the 14th Kaunas Biennial.
/ Photo credit: Kristīne Madjare / Latvian Centre for Contemporary Art