Inspired by Africa

Karl Heinz initially formed the KHSculptorGroup and sought to provide a blank canvas for other artists to portray their interpretations. Two such canvases were in the form of near life-sized bears and elephants which led to the projects “Dance of the Bears” and “Passion” which can be seen at Quinta dos Vales.

Following this, 11 multicultural artists: Franco Charais, Toin Adams, Henryka Woerle, Stela Barreto, Elke Heiner, Jessica Dunn, Sofia Barreto, Jill Stott, Meinke Flesseman, Kasia Wrona and Vitalij Manich joined Karl Heinz in the implantation of ‘Multifaceted Globes’.

In the coming weeks, we will dive into each of the continents that inspired the unity and diversity that are showcased on the 15 globes. This week we are transported to Africa, these vibrant globes are undoubtedly incredible and painted by wonderful artists Toin Adams and Henryka Woerle.

Artist Toin Adams was born in Kitwe, Zambia and educated in Zimbabwe. Toin is currently living in Portugal having graduated from University College London. “I like making large scale sculptures, playing with diverse materials and figuring out how to make them…not fall over… On these projects I work with a team of fellow artists as well as engineers and technicians in order to achieve this.”

One of Toin’s globes focuses on Africa’s nature where she explains "It's impossible to think of Africa without remembering the unique and spectacular species. No continent offers the same opportunities to marvel at the diversity of its wildlife living in its natural habitat and often seen within walking distance of civilization.”

Adding “Proximity brings wildlife into direct competition with humanity and often animals end up in second place. Many of the species, once developed and abundant, end up being threatened. We need to find a way to adapt their needs along with ours. Without these creatures, the world becomes a poorer place."

Toin’s second globe focuses on the people of Africa, in which the artist shared her thoughts “The African people, like many peoples of the third world, suffer extreme hardship and poverty, and are also responsible for the production of some of the world's most extraordinary arts. You can't think of Africa without thinking about its music, dance, the beauty of its people and the incredible aesthetics of its style and costumes. This may seem trivial in the face of starvation, child soldiers and callous dictators and so on, but it says a lot about their enormous strength and courage as a people. How would we sit if for a moment we "put on their shoes"...?”.

Artist Henryka Woerle was born in Wroclaw, Poland. Henryka obtained MAs in painting graphics and in glass design from Wroclaw’s Academy of Fine Arts. In 1979, she obtained her Master of Arts and went on to work as a designer for a glass manufacturer in Poland. Henryka moved to the Algarve in 1998, where she is inspired by the Algarvean landscape and has her own glassmaking studio, where she creates works of glass and engravings. “For many years I gave preference to paintings but never neglected my love of glass a truly fascinating material. As an artist I am continually exploring new ways of creating art in order to avoid stagnating in my comfort zone.”

Artist Henryka Woerle’s globe focuses on the characteristics of Africa, where she explains “In my sphere I presented Africa as a multinational state and the African continent as the cradle of humanity. Africa has always struggled with various social, economic and cultural problems. And just as there are many different people living on this enormous continent, there are many problems.”

Further explaining “Among the most unique and fierce to be mentioned are the massive deaths caused by genocide, disease and civil wars, clearly illustrated by the armed soldiers and those who were killed, lying in open coffins. The dire economic situation in many regions becomes the reason why more and more people want to leave Africa.

“Known as "boatpeople," they don't hesitate to risk their lives in overcrowded boats. Africa is also full of contrasts: rich and poor who live together, for example, the richest waste water for their pools and golf courses, while the poor barely have water to drink. All around my globe, you will discover images and symbols that reflect these problems. The illustrated child playing with a snake has a deeply symbolic meaning.”

Following undertaking her university degree in English with American Literature in the UK, Cristina da Costa Brookes moved back to Portugal to pursue a career in Journalism, where she has worked at The Portugal News for 3 years. Cristina’s passion lies with Arts & Culture as well as sharing all important community-related news.

Cristina da Costa Brookes