Zak Ové is a British-Trinidadian artist whose work delves into themes of interstellar travel and cultural convergences, exploring African ancestry, traditions, and history through large-scale sculptures and multimedia installations. His practice is deeply rooted in the narratives of the African diaspora, particularly focusing on traditions of masquerade and their significance in performance and ceremony.
Ové’s interdisciplinary approach spans sculpture, painting, film, and photography, weaving together mythology, oral histories, and speculative futures. His studio describes his sculptures as incorporating symbols, iconography, and materials from African, Caribbean, and diasporic traditions, blending them with modern aesthetics to celebrate the continuity and adaptability of culture.
One of Ové’s notable works is “The Mothership Connection,” a sculpture that combines architectural elements referencing the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., and a ring of Cadillac lights nodding to Detroit. Topping the sculpture is a giant Mende tribal mask that glows at night, pulsating with a rhythm reminiscent of a heartbeat. The title of the piece pays homage to the iconic 1975 album by Parliament-Funkadelic, “Mothership Connection,” which celebrated outer space as a metaphor for hope and liberation during a time of social change.
In his installations, Ové often explores the relationship between contemporary lived experiences and the spirit world, bringing ancestral spirits to life through visual storytelling. His work “Moko Jumbie” features a spectral dancer cloaked in banana leaves with a radiant golden face, embodying the spirit of a Jumbie from African and Caribbean folklore.
Another key motif in Ové’s recent installations is the use of rockets, as seen in pieces like “The Mothership Connection” and “Black Starliner.” These works feature totem-like stacks of African tribal masks and intricate Veve symbols, drawing inspiration from Vodou religion and African traditions.
Through his art, Ové reclaims and reframes dominant narratives about African history, culture, and the diaspora, challenging conventional perspectives and envisioning potential futures where ancestral wisdom merges with Afrofuturist ideals. His work invites viewers to consider the interconnectedness of past, present, and future, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of culture.
“The Mothership Connection” is set to be exhibited in New York City’s Meatpacking District later this summer and fall, accompanied by a gallery show at Chelsea Market. Ové’s work continues to captivate audiences with its vibrant colors, monumental scale, and thought-provoking themes, inviting viewers to explore the intersections of tradition, innovation, and cultural identity in a rapidly changing world.
