DANCING IN BULLETS AND IN BROKENNESS: METAPHOR IN TERRACOTTA ON CANVAS

Socio-economic occurrences and developments in any society is usually a thing of concern especially when this is being jeopardised. There are numerous channels through which such issues are brought to the fore for attention. Among these channels are the art media and more precisely the ceramic art media. Renowned ceramic artists in Nigeria have taken to the medium of expression (clay) to contribute to succinct issues as they affect the society. This study takes advantage of a unique form of ceramic press moulding termed clay palm press. This uncommon production technique has been developed to interrogate socio-economic insecurity in the form of ceramic art work. The art work was made possible through a ceramic medium that has been termed terracotta on canvas. Extensive studio practice was carried out to generate the terracotta forms for this study. Findings from this study indicate that the medium and mode of execution of the art work shows a unique side of working with clay that negates tactile or three dimensionality of inured ceramic practice. Additionally, the process of clay palm press in this study indicates that it could be therapeutical against medical conditions of muscles of the palm. This is because the process tightens and develops the muscles of the palm further. Dancing in bullets and in brokenness has portrayed through the medium of terracotta on canvas that social and security challenges are not limiting factors to a resolute Nigerian. Despite all odds, the strong will of Nigerians keeps persisting and overcoming challenges.