This archive report was first published on 14 September 2019.
On September 14, 2019, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) in New York unveiled four majestic sculptures by Kenyan-born artist Wangechi Mutu, marking a historic moment in the museum's 117-year history.
Located at the entrance of the iconic museum, Mutu's commissioned project 'The NewOnes, will free Us' features four bronze sculptures titled The Seated I, II, III, and IV (2019), which will be displayed until January 12th, 2020.
According to The Met, Mutu's work engages in a critique of gender and racial politics, combining pointed commentary with poetic and fantastical elements.
Ms. Mutu stated, 'The poised, stately figures I have created…derive inspiration from my interest in ancient and modern practices that reflect on the relationship between women and power across various traditions… They have come to look and bear witness, and to reflect back to us what we are.'
With a career spanning over two decades, Mutu is known for her painting, sculpture, film, and performance work. She holds both Kenyan and US citizenship and has lived and worked in Brooklyn since 2006.
