Michael Armitage

Nasema Nawe

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About this artwork

Nasema Nawe draws upon Paul Gauguin's (1848-1903) Vision of the Sermon (Jacob Wrestling with the Angel), 1888, one of the most popular works in our collection. Just as Gauguin's picture concerns the revelation of semi-illicit religious activity, Armitage has depicted a similar communal ritual; the Baikoko dance which originated on the coast of Tanzania. Performed only by women, it has been popularised in recent years through its appearance in Bongo Flava music videos but, due to its sexually explicit nature, dancers have faced increasing restrictions by the Tanzanian government.

Updated before 2020

see media
  • artist:
  • title:
    Nasema Nawe
  • date created:
    2016
  • materials:
    Oil paint on lubugo bark cloth
  • measurements:
    200.60 x 330.80 cm; Framed: 200.50 x 331.00 x 5.00 cm
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Presented by Harry and Lana David, in memory of Nicola David-Pinedo, 2017
  • accession number:
    GMA 5589
  • gallery:
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Michael Armitage

Michael Armitage