In Pursuit of Bling: The Transformation
Otobong Nkanga
(2014)
In Pursuit of Bling is a continuous installation about the metamorphoses that natural resources undergo during their transition from raw material to finished product. The mineral mica is the starting point of this installation. (‘Mica’ comes from the Latin word 'micare' meaning to twinkle or sparkle). Nowadays mica is used for industrial products ranging from lipstick to smartphones. Nkanga still remembers the 'magical' mineral from her childhood in Nigeria and rediscovered it in a herb shop in Marrakesh.
The two carpets represent the dual significance of the term 'bling'. On the one hand the splendour and pomp of natural resources, and on the other hand the colonial history and capitalistic exploitation linked to the quarrying of minerals. Lastly, the title also refers to our current fascination with all that shines and sparkles, and our desire to create a better and prettier version of ourselves.