Upcycled Auto Parts Sculpture of Ghana Woman with Firewood, "Farmer's Wife II"

A visual ode to the strength and dignity of the African woman and, by extension, to all women who strive for their family's subsistence by the sweat of their brow. Here the figure balances on her head, as age-old custom dictates, a huge log destined to be the firewood for the preparation of the evening meal. This abstract sculpture by Kola Ogunsunlade Joseph is as moving in beauty as it is in meaning.

Taking an average of four days to create each sculpture, Kola Ogunsunlade Joseph carefully assembles pre-prepared metal plates and objects he has found and fuses them with arc welding materials. An application of a clear varnish protects the piece and adds a gleaming, elegant finish.