Artisan Sandra Poulson Perceives Each Sculpture as Holding Subtle Narratives Regarding Its Creation Process
Sandra Poulson, a Luanda-based artist represented by Jahmek Contemporary Art, is making waves with her latest installation, "Cabinda Dreams". Commissioned by Jahmek Contemporary Art, this significant work is currently on display at the Rijksakademie in Amsterdam as part of the Open Studios program.
Poulson's art is rooted in the exploration of everyday objects, which she sees as Trojan horses, capable of moving, molding, and interfering in society. Her latest piece, "Cabinda Dreams", is no exception. This intricate installation, set to be completed in 2024, delves into the complex histories and multiple narratives of the geographically and politically distinct exclave of Angola, Cabinda.
The title "Cabinda Dreams" is a nod to Cabinda's troubled history, marked by its rich oil reserves and contested status during and after Angola's struggle for independence and civil conflict. Poulson's work connects deeply with Angola’s turbulent history and politics, particularly issues of colonialism, resource exploitation, and territorial sovereignty.
Poulson's use of materials and installation format invokes "micro-histories", focusing on smaller, often overlooked or hidden historical narratives. Through "Cabinda Dreams", she explores how individual and collective histories are intertwined with political realities, making the piece both historically grounded and politically resonant.
Notable works in the exhibition include "Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus", a sculpture made of Oregon pine, found veneered plywood, chipboard, and a nightstand, with a T-shirt emblazoned with the word "Universal". Another piece, "Dust as an Accidental Gift", figured in the 2023 Sharjah Architecture Triennial.
Poulson's first museum exhibition, "Este quarto parece uma República!", is currently on view at MoMA PS1 in New York until October 6. The PS1 works were initially produced for the 2025 edition of the Condo London gallery exchange program. Poulson's installation "Sabão Azul e Água" was made partly from blue soap and water sourced from Angola and was exhibited at the British Pavilion for the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale.
Mehak Vieira, cofounder of Jahmek Contemporary Art, praised Poulson for her willingness to experiment with different materials and her hands-on approach to work. Elena Ketelsen González, the Costa Rica-born New York based assistant curator at PS1, spoke highly of Poulson's installation "Hope as a Praxis" shown at ARCO Madrid in 2021.
The European Union's logo is placed on the headboard of "Cabinda Dreams", a found veneered plywood bedframe, chipboard, and medium density fiberboard piece by Poulson. The work speaks to themes like nationalism, conflict, and the involvement of Western governments and corporations in the affairs of Africa, with Angola as the focus.
Poulson's work often includes micro-stories, sayings, or pieces of knowledge that are auto-ethnographic to some degree. Her art has been featured in prominent venues such as the Rijksakademie, MoMA, and the Venice Biennale, among others, indicating its critical recognition and engagement with contemporary discourses in art and history.
Poulson's journey with Jahmek Contemporary Art began in 2020, and their business relationship was formalized months after Poulson graduated from London's Central Saint Martins in late 2020. This partnership has resulted in a body of work that continues to challenge and captivate audiences.
- Sandra Poulson, an artist represented by Jahmek Contemporary Art, is displaying her latest installation, "Cabinda Dreams," at the Rijksakademie in Amsterdam's Open Studios program.
- Poulson's "Cabinda Dreams" installation delves into the complex histories and multiple narratives of the geographically and politically distinct exclave of Angola, Cabinda.
- Poulson's "Cabinda Dreams" connects deeply with Angola’s turbulent history and politics, particularly issues of colonialism, resource exploitation, and territorial sovereignty.
- Notable works in Poulson's exhibition at MoMA PS1 in New York, include "Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus" and "Sabão Azul e Água," which were both exhibited at the British Pavilion for the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale.
- Poulson's work, "Hope as a Praxis," was highly praised by Elena Ketelsen González, the Costa Rica-born New York based assistant curator at PS1, and was shown at ARCO Madrid in 2021.
- The European Union's logo is placed on the headboard of Poulson's work, "Cabinda Dreams," and it speaks to themes like nationalism, conflict, and the involvement of Western governments and corporations in the affairs of Africa, with Angola as the focus.
- Poulson's art has been featured in prominent venues such as the Rijksakademie, MoMA, and the Venice Biennale, indicating its critical recognition and engagement with contemporary discourses in art and history.
