Victor Sonna. 1525

18 July 2020 until 9 January 2022

Exhibition

This activity has ended.

At a height of 25 meters, you can admire the spectacular scaffolding construction by Victor Sonna in the tower of the Van Abbemuseum. This exhibition, 1525, treats the subject of slavery in its own unique way.

1525
In 2015 in New Orleans, Victor purchased the chains of an enslaved person. The number 152 was engraved on the chains. This purchase marked the start of a personal journey of discovery through Ghana and Suriname, among others. The result is an exhibition featuring one hundred and fifty two unique pieces of art - the series 152 - six films and fifty two prints in which Victor treats the subject of slavery in his own unique way. The exhibition title is a play on the number 152. A single five is added: one of the first transatlantic transports of enslaved people took place in 1525.

“I don’t work off a pre-determined plan. I didn’t foresee that a purchase would lead to this journey. This is usually how it goes with me; one thing leads to another. I dive in and go with it.” – Victor Sonna

ABOUT VICTOR SONNA
Victor Sonna (1977) was born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and moved to the Netherlands at a young age. He studied at the Design Academy in Eindhoven before transferring to AKV|St. Joost in Den Bosch. He trained as a visual artist. He has lived in Eindhoven throughout his time in the Netherlands. Victor Sonna frequently utilises existing material in his work, transforming it into dramatic works of art. His work can be found in collections across the world and is exhibited internationally.