The saying "I am because you are" or "I am because we are and there we are, I am" reflects the philosophy of many African cultures. It expresses the conviction that being part of a network of relationships is part of being human. Things are so intertwined that they resemble a fabric: the vibration of a single thread sets the whole thing in motion.

With looks, salvation or evil can begin. The hungry towel of the Nigerian artist Chidi Kwiburi (* 1966) shows a mirror image of two larger than life and monochrome people in profile. They look at each other and they respectfully touch each other across a border. The arms rest on the shoulder of the other and even accept the "foreign" color. In this giving and receiving, relationship grows.

arms

our arms build a bridge

over abysses and canyons

courageously I walk from me to you

in the confidence

that you will come to meet me

and defeat my strangers

 

Let us say in every breat

do not be afraid of me

who if not us should dry our tears

and be each other's angels

when night darkens our way

(Wilhelm Bruners)