Victor Sonna - 1525
Victor Sonna 1525
1525 is closed to the public from 2 to 13 August
In 2015 in New Orleans, Victor purchased the chains of an enslaved person. The number 152 was engraved on the chains. This purchase marked the start of a personal journey of discovery through Ghana and Suriname, among others. The result is an exhibition featuring one hundred and fifty two unique pieces of art - the series 152 - six films and fifty two prints in which Victor treats the subject of slavery in his own unique way. The exhibition title is a play on the number 152. A single five is added: one of the first transatlantic transports of enslaved people took place in 1525.
“I don’t work off a pre-determined plan. I didn’t foresee that a purchase would lead to this journey. This is usually how it goes with me; one thing leads to another. I dive in and go with it.” – Victor Sonna
Video portrait Victor Sonna
Culture vloggers Smita James and Jennifer Muntslag from My Daily Shot of Culture interviewed Victor Sonna about his artistic practice and the exhibition 1525. Duration: 5 min.
ABOUT Victor Sonna
Victor Sonna (1977) was born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and moved to the Netherlands at a young age. He studied at the Design Academy in Eindhoven before transferring to AKV|St. Joost in Den Bosch. He trained as a visual artist. He has lived in Eindhoven throughout his time in the Netherlands. Victor Sonna frequently utilises existing material in his work, transforming it into dramatic works of art. His work can be found in collections across the world and is exhibited internationally.
PUBLIC PROGRAMMING
The exhibition is being accompanied by a comprehensive programme of public events. Who are we? Traces of a colonial past in Brabant. The programme invites participants and visitors to reflect on the role that complex histories such as the slave trade and colonialism play in our lives.
NATIONWIDE COLLABORATION
This exhibition forms part of Musea Bekennen Kleur a partnbership of Dutch museums that explores issues around inclusion and diversity within the museum sector. Made possible by the Mondriaan Fonds.