Reconciliation Memorial (Cotonou, Republic of Benin)

Reconciliation Memorial (Cotonou, Republic of Benin)

Subject (Topic)
Transatlantic Slave Trade
Middle Passage
Public art
Public sculpture
Benin

Subject (Object Type)
Commemorative sculpture

The bronze torsos of two abstracted figures, engaged in a tight embrace, emerge from a rectangular bronze base. Unlike its Liverpudlian counterpart, this work includes the addition of bronze low-relief designs, reflecting images related to the transatlantic slave trade, including cotton plants, chains, and industrial factories.

Broadbent, Stephen

Broadbent Studio

Republic of Benin Government; Faith Bebbington (the sculptor who assisted in the production of the finalized sculptures); The initial design work for the sculptures was undertaken by a group of young people in Liverpool, working closely with Garry Morris, the curator of the Liverpool Maritime Museum Slavery Exhibition, and were completed by selected young people from Benin and Richmond.

JPEG

English

Visual Arts-Sculpture

2005

Inscription on base:

"Reconnaissons et pardonnons le passé

Célébrons le présent

Construisons l'avenir dans

la réconciliation et la justice.

Acknowledge and forgive the past

Embrace the present

Shape a future

of reconciliation and justice."

One other identical version of this work exists in Richmond, VA

144 in. (365.76 cm)

Bronze

Broadbent, Stephen. "Reconciliation Triangle." Broadbent Studio, accessed April 11th, 2019. https://broadbent.studio/reconciliation-triangle-casestudy

Renée Ater

Sculpture

144'' (365.76 cm)