Victor Ehikhamenor, Palace Soothsayer II, 2024

Victor Ehikhamenor’s perforations, painstakingly created through uniform punctures in handmade paper, form intricate shapes and portraits that transform negative space into compelling visual narratives. These delicate, repetitive marks echo the precision of pointillism while introducing a sculptural depth that reflects a deeply personal and cultural dialogue. The perforations are more than an aesthetic device; they symbolize the layered scars left by systemic violence—whether colonial, educational, or institutional—and its enduring impact on identity formation.

Rooted in African scarification traditions, these works draw on a history of body modification as a marker of status, clan identity, spiritual significance, and rites of passage. By referencing these ancient practices, Ehikhamenor bridges ancestral wisdom with contemporary critiques, questioning the legacies of power and displacement. The methodical process of perforating the paper mirrors the physicality of scarification, transforming the surface into a site of memory and resilience.

Through this practice, Ehikhamenor reclaims cultural narratives and challenges the erasure of African traditions, imbuing his work with historical weight and universal relevance. His perforations transcend the boundaries of medium, inviting viewers to reflect on the intersections of trauma, identity, and the enduring power of storytelling.

In Ehikhamenor’s work, a messenger is depicted with a thread hanging from its mouth. The position of the thread indicates the status of their mission. If the thread hangs to the left, it signifies that the message has not yet been delivered, and people are expected to step aside. If the thread hangs to the right, it indicates that the message has already been delivered. This visual marker serves as a clear symbol of the message’s progress and the social order surrounding it.

The artwork Palace Soothsayer II features a large, oval-shaped form set against a deep black background, intricately adorned with uniform perforations arranged in concentric circles and rhythmic patterns. These precise, repetitive marks evoke a sense of movement and ritual, blending delicacy with methodical craftsmanship. A luminous gold band cuts vertically through the center of the oval, narrowing at the top and widening at the base, serving as a central axis.

In Palace Soothsayer II, the face is defined by curved lines around the eyes, forming a stylized pattern reminiscent of concentric spirals. These flowing lines create a sense of softness and motion, contrasting with the structured vertical axis that anchors the composition. This interplay between fluidity and structure enhances the work's dynamic balance. At the base of the oval, a golden spiral gracefully extends outward to the right, symbolizing the delivery of the message. In contrast, its counterpart, Palace Soothsayer I, features a spiral extending to the left, signifying that the message has yet to be delivered. This subtle distinction imbues the works with a narrative element, using visual cues to convey the status of the soothsayer's mission.

Victor Ehikhamenor Nigeria, b. 1970

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Victor Ehikhamenor Nigeria, b. 1970

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