The last piece left - SOLD
Richard Mudariki (b 1985)
The last piece left - 2013
Acrylic on canvas
60 x 60 cm
Signed and dated bottom right
Sold - 2014
A new form of colonialism, although more subtle than before, has been introduced in present day Africa. Unlike the marching forces of the European colonizers, the Chinese are moving in peacefully, cleverly and strategically. They are taking advantage of greedy leaders and unregulated systems; their cash paving the way to successful acquisitions. Is this engagement of the Chinese with Africa mutually beneficial? Are the cheap, sub-standard Chinese consumer goods a worthy substitute for our raw materials? Will we only realize the real cost of allowing this neo-colonialism when the party is over and Chinese investors have symbolically consumed all but the last piece of African resources?