Nicolas Niarchos on Manono, Congo and its extractive mining operations for ‘cassiterite, coltan, … wolframite, lithium, quartz, tourmalines, emeralds, copper.’ Granta.
“Manono’s cathedral still bears a plaque with the Latin legend Géomines Aedificavit 1942.
[…]The mines beneath Manono were first mapped out in 1906. Congo was still officially the private property of King Leopold II, which he had seized in 1885. By the time Manono’s mines were being studied, Belgian colonists had already brutally exploited the land for its ivory and then its rubber, killing an estimated 10 million people. As Congo came under state control from Brussels in 1908, a new generation began to exploit the riches beneath its soil. Part of this new wave of exploration was the creation, in 1910, of the Compagnie Géologique et Minière des Ingénieurs et Industriels Belges, or Géomines. On the company’s share certificates, the firm’s ‘Social Seat’ was listed as Manono, Belgian Congo, but the ‘Administrative Seat’ – head office – was in Brussels.”
The concept of power encompasses various meanings yet remains fundamentally consistent across different contexts. Power is the driving force in shaping historical events, influencing societal frameworks, and currently defines our daily existence. Its multifaceted nature extends across societal hierarchies, political landscapes, and individual realities. Although it has many definitions, at its core power can be defined as the capacity to exert influence or control over others.
Power has the capacity to mobilize communities, amplify the voices of marginalized groups who challenge oppressive systems, and can hold personal significance, symbolizing strength, control, and the courage to instigate change within one’s own life or community.
Religious and spiritual powers are seen as a source of strength, guidance, and protection for many people who have faith in forces that can shape their lives. Accessing these powers through practice, prayer and meditation offers wisdom and direction. This connection to a higher entity emphasizes humility, compassion, and service to others, providing strength and guidance in challenging times.
Access to electrical power is a privilege that not only provides convenience but also the ability to unify as a society, enabling people to exert influence, obtain resources, and organize civil services which provide protection and safety. Collective power playing a crucial role in shaping one’s personal power.
Artists play an essential role in society by presenting diverse viewpoints, challenging established norms, and fostering critical discourse. Artistic representations of power can spark reflection, evoke emotions, and prompt viewers to contemplate their own positions within the broader spectrum of power dynamics.
For the fourth edition of Green Space Miami’s open call, artists are encouraged to delve into myriad dimensions of power, unravel its intricacies, question its structures, challenge its assumptions, or celebrate its potential for transformative change. The aim is to inspire a deeper understanding of this fundamental aspect of the human condition and provoke new insights into the complexities of power.
Donnamarie Baptiste, Open Call Green Space Miami
