A strange djembé drummer is sitting in the corner of the B&B lounge in the Belgian town of Antwerp. It’s a black steel figurine with a violent past, but a new green life, created by a just as unusual artist by the name of Goncalo Mabunda from Mozambigue.
Two decades ago a vile civil war was raging in that country. But in 1992, with a lot of urging by the international community, among others the Vatican, peace was signed. Warriors from all sides could surrender their small arms to the new government, getting farmer’s tools in return.
The authorities destroyed the weaponry, but that left them with tons of scrap. Again with the help of the Vatican, art came to the rescue. Under a subsidized Arms into Art project Mozambican artists started welding sculptures of all sizes from the demolished AK47’s and mortar grenades.
Throne of weapons
Even the British Museum exhibited a piece by Mathe Serafin and Hilario Nhatugueja, called “The Tree of Life”. The project petered out. But some creative minds have reached new artistic heights in this unparalleled form of C2C recycling. When invited to build a big globe from arms scrap for the Bill Clinton Foundation, Goncalo Mabunda became the most famous of them all. Mabunda also built a “Throne of Weapons,” presented to the Pope John Paul II.
To his friend Olga Dengo, now painting and living in Antwerp, Mabunda donated two smaller figurines. What horrors did these pistol handles and triggers see and cause in earlier life? Their dark secrets will remain unanswered. But to those who care about them, their new shapes constitute a unique green peace message from the African world of modern arts. Photo: © Michel Robles
Martial Art
Once they were bullets, pistols or grenades. Now under the deft hands of Mozambique’s possibly most famous sculptor Goncalo Mabunda they have been transformed into Art.
Recycling AK-47's and other arms from the one-time civil war has become the trade mark of Mabunda and a couple of his fellow artists. I saw some of the results in a small B&B in Antwerp. But even the British Museum and the Bill Clinton Foundation acquired pieces from the 'Arms into Art' programme. Read more…
Photo: © Michel Robles
High on FSC
Ten years ago the Netherlands were an admired environmental pioneer nation. Nowadays, due to a shortsighted neoliberal policy we are almost tail-end Charley within the European Union. Belgium, on the other hand, is a real runner-up. Last December (2010) the Flemish Leukenheide distillery presented Dennenknopje (Pine Bud). Dennenknopje is the world’s very first jenever (traditionally a truly Dutch strong drink), made from a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) labeled wood product. The gin-like softbooze is distilled from pine cones from the Pinus silvestris. The pines grow in Flanders’ vastest, FSC certified forest region Bosland. A local high from an okay forest. Innovation can be anywhere.…
Questioning Plastiki pride
The newly designed cradle-to-cradle catamaran Plastiki has recently arrived is Sidney after a publicity voyage from California across the Pacific Ocean. The designers claim extreme recyclability. But, contrary to earlier announcements, the ship will not be up-cycled now that it has reached its destination. The builders say they've become too attached to their newborn baby. Of course, the vessel can be a showcase for years to come. But, hey, isn't this kind of attachment of people to their achievements precisely the reason why our earth is becoming such a cluttered place? www.theplastiki.com
Sweet C2C
Cradle-to-cradle handmade beauty: go haunt the town's antique and recycle shops and flea markets for a bunch of elegant (or maybe you prefer funny or modern design) plates, saucers and wine glasses. Wash them well, sand the glasses' brims lightly and glue things together with strong porcelain glue. Any shape, size and design you fancy, will do.
Lo and behold: you have now created your own home grown bonbonnière! For sweets, cookies, fruit - or sandwiches if you like. Ladies love'em! Dozens were sold in a fashion shop in my home town. Enjoy more...
Photos: © Michel Robles
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