Menu
The New Contemporary Art Magazine

YZ Celebrates Female Warriors with Street Art Project in Senegal

The Amazons of Dahomey were an all-female military regiment founded in the 16th century in the Kingdom of Dahomey (present-day Republic of Benin). By the end of the 19th century, they comprised a third of the nation's army and were thought to be more valuable on the battle field than their male counterparts. French artist YZ, whose portrait-based work frequently taps into civil rights themes, recently paid homage to these female warriors with her public art series in Senegal, "Amazon." Painted on the sides of houses in a Senegalese village, the monochromatic portraits symbolize a story of female strength often left untold.

The Amazons of Dahomey were an all-female military regiment founded in the 16th century in the Kingdom of Dahomey (present-day Republic of Benin). By the end of the 19th century, they comprised a third of the nation’s army and were thought to be more valuable on the battle field than their male counterparts. French artist YZ, whose portrait-based work frequently taps into civil rights themes, recently paid homage to these female warriors with her public art series in Senegal, “Amazon.” Painted on the sides of houses in a Senegalese village, the monochromatic portraits symbolize a story of female strength often left untold.

Meta
Topics
Share
Facebook
Reddit
Pinterest
Email
Related Articles
Whether portraying people of the past or present, of great fame or total anonymity, Bisa Butler brings the viewer face to face with images of dignity and grace. Read Clayton Schuster's article on the artist by clicking above.
Based in Japan’s western countryside, Ozabu merges reality and fantasy with impeccably precise and highly detailed narrative drawings. Read Liz Ohanesian's full article on the artist by clicking above.
In the fanciful depictions of Magda Kirk, massive deity-like characters reign over an inter-dimensional world comprised of emotion, self-awareness, and unlimited possibility. Read Zara Kand's full article on the artist by clicking above.

Subscribe to the Hi-Fructose Mailing List