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DiaporamaDangerous Computer Virus
2008
125.0 x 200.0 cm
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Giclée / Art Print
Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. (
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Dangerous Computer Virus
Giclée / Art Print
Reproduction Size
-
Total Price
$ 65
Collectible Description
Sierra Leone is one of the poorest countries in western Africa; in choosing a career as an artist Mansaray (born in Tongo, Sierra Leone, in 1970) has laboured to stem the collapse of a nation drained by civil war. After leaving school in 1987, he settled in Freetown, where he became a voracious autodidact, studying all aspects of practical science and engineering. He revived a technique especially popular in central Africa of manufacturing decorative objects or toys out of wire and iron. But he applied an extreme form of this technique to build futuristic machines for extravagant purposes, creating contraptions that could produce fire, light, air, water, cold, motion, and sound. “I am an artist making creations without limitation. I do drawings, paintings, sculptures . . . I also invent machines for my own use at home and sometimes for other people,” he has proclaimed.Mansaray’s preparatory drawings also stand as independent artworks. These studies consist of detailed calculations, sketches, diagrams, and commentaries executed in pencil, ballpoint pen, and crayons. “I like doing strange, complicated drawings and designing intricate machines inspired by scientific ideas that are at times beyond the human imagination (for example, the machines I designed called Hell Extinguisher and Nuclear Telephone Discovered in Hell). . . . I want people to feel the power of creation.” No doubt the economic, political and social situation in Sierra Leone, a country where war has left behind nothing but ruins and charred bodies, has shaped Mansaray’s imagination and the inspiration. In 1998 he managed to escape his country under extremely difficult circumstances, and spent several years in the Netherlands; however, his work continues to bear witness to the horrors of war.
Artist Biography
Abu Bakarr Mansaray: A Visionary Sculptor Rooted in Sierra Leone’s Turbulent Past
Abu Bakarr Mansaray is a singular artist hailing from Freetown, Sierra Leone—a figure whose creative process defies conventional categorization. Rather than simply depicting landscapes or portraits, Mansaray delves into the realm of speculative engineering and sculptural fabrication, producing breathtakingly intricate technical drawings and sculptures that grapple with themes of conflict, resilience, and technological advancement. His work isn’t merely aesthetically striking; it's a profound meditation on how scientific principles can illuminate the human condition.- Early Life & Influences: Born in Freetown amidst the aftermath of Sierra Leone’s brutal civil war (1991-2002), Mansaray’s formative years instilled within him a deep understanding of societal trauma and the imperative for creative expression as a form of resistance. This experience profoundly shaped his artistic vision, fueling an obsession with exploring how complex systems—particularly those rooted in physics and mechanics—can capture and convey profound emotional truths.
- The Genesis of His Unique Style: Mansaray’s artistic journey began without formal training; he honed his skills through self-directed experimentation. However, his approach wasn't haphazard. He meticulously studied architectural designs, analyzing structural integrity and spatial relationships—skills that would later translate into the meticulous planning and execution of his sculptures. This dedication to observation and methodical reasoning distinguishes him from many contemporary artists.
Technical Drawings: Mapping Conflict Through Precision
Mansaray’s artistic output centers around extraordinarily detailed technical drawings—often referred to as ‘spectral drawings.’ These aren't mere representations of machines; they are elaborate diagrams imbued with symbolic significance. Frequently inspired by the horrors of Sierra Leone’s civil war, these drawings depict fantastical vehicles and weaponry designed to confront adversity head-on. The sheer complexity of his designs—featuring gears, levers, pistons, and intricate schematics—reflects a fascination with harnessing scientific principles to overcome obstacles.- Notable Projects: Among Mansaray’s most celebrated works is ‘Evil Detector,’ a drawing depicting a futuristic war machine conceived during the period of intense conflict. The piece captures the spirit of Sierra Leone's struggle for stability, transforming trauma into imaginative engineering. Similarly, ‘Crucial Invention’ portrays a motorcycle designed to embody resilience and ingenuity—a testament to Mansaray’s belief in the transformative power of innovation.
- Recurring Themes: Recurring motifs within Mansaray’s oeuvre include references to weaponry, architectural structures, and representations of movement—all serving as metaphors for confronting challenges and achieving progress. His drawings are not simply aesthetically pleasing; they communicate a powerful narrative about overcoming adversity through intellect and determination.
Sculptural Achievements: Bringing Drawings to Life
Mansaray’s technical drawings serve as blueprints for his sculptures—remarkable constructions crafted from metal, wood, and other materials. These sculptures are characterized by their monumental scale and breathtaking intricacy, mirroring the precision and complexity of his diagrams. He approaches sculpting with an almost obsessive attention to detail, meticulously replicating the designs he envisions on paper.Historical Significance & Contemporary Relevance
Abu Bakarr Mansaray’s work stands apart in its ability to synthesize disparate disciplines—architecture, physics, craftsmanship, and engineering—into a singular artistic vision. He embodies the spirit of Sierra Leone's creative response to hardship, demonstrating how art can serve as both documentation of trauma and aspiration for transformation. His sculptures resonate with broader themes of technological innovation and confronting societal challenges—topics that remain vitally relevant in our increasingly complex world.
abu bakarr mansaray
Sierra Leone
Quick Facts
- Artistic Movement Or Style: Technical Sculpture
- Full Name: abu bakarr mansaray
- Nationality: Sierra Leonean
- Notable Artworks:
- Evil Detector
- Crucial Invention
- Place Of Birth: Freetown, Sierra Leone
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