The Acrobat

Bunmi Babatunde is a very skilled and passionate Nigerian sculptor born in 1957. He studied at the Yaba College of Technology where he obtained both a National Diploma in General Art in 1981 and a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Sculpture in 1983. He set up his studio in Lagos a year after graduation and has been in practice since then, creating numerous works in wood, bronze and fiberglass. Bunmi is envied and admired by his peers and contemporary art collectors for his unique rendition of organic/active forms in his sculptures in a sleek and very lively manner. Central to his philosophy and style is the concept of human identity. His works reflect on contemporary themes of human evolution and growth, expression, emotion, energy, creativity and glory. The presentation of his forms explore and question generally accepted ideas of possibilities of the human body.

The Acrobat captures a figure, probably dancing, with her body twisted on a pole. Her hands are firmly holding the pole in grip to ensure balance as she twists and moves her entire body, displaying her acrobatic skills. The surface of the body looks “scaly” and could be for aesthetic effects. Pole dancing, besides being an entertaining aspect of contemporary pop culture, has been demonstrated by some scholars as an act of expression, building self-confidence and efficacy, and exploring sexuality by women. Recreational pole dancing has been shown to sexually liberate and empower Afro-American women.