On Saturday 11 May 2019 Enam Gbewonyo delivered the closing performance for curatorial platform Art’s Territory’s ‘The Palace of Ritual’ at the opening week of the 58th edition of Venice Biennale.

Tied to her current body of work ‘Nude Me/ Under the Skin’ this performance of healing speaks to the sensuality of the female form, and the elasticity and malleability of the human body. In this way it is very much a homage to Senga Nengudi. ‘Nude Me/ Under the Skin: The Awakening of Black Women’s Visibility one Pantyhose at a time’ represents the many forms of bondage that constrict the black woman to fit a mould not intended for her. To arrive at the point of reclamation and awakening, black women must face the pain of their ancestor’s past, before releasing it, and opening up space to receive their love and heal. With this performance I created a live vessel for this process of healing.

With thanks to brand partners: Freed of London, Sheer Chemistry and Swedish Stockings

Images ©️ Arlene Wandera/ Michal Murawski