By Khalifa Hemed
Published February 17, 2024
Sculptor Robin Okeyo Mbera continues to focus on the adverse effect of the wars pitting Israel against Hamas in the Middle East and that between Russia and Ukraine in Europe on Africa with the aim of bringing about peaceful coexistence around the globe.
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The work titled Bomber Kids delves into the irreparable psychological impact of war children who find themselves caught up in the midst of battles whose cause they don’t understand. Despite their tender age and lack of involvement in the conflict, these children bear the heavy burden of the consequences of conflict in Asia and Europe.
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Mbera says his goal is to shed light on the urgent need for peace among nations embroiled in warfare and to call on the international community’s intervention.
“Through its poignant narrative, Bomber Kids serves as a wake-up call, reminding us of the immense responsibility we have to protect and safeguard the well-being of children who are inadvertently caught in unnecessary crossfire,”Mbera says. “It calls upon individuals, governments, businesses and organizations to join forces and work towards a world where the innocence of children is preserved and the horrors of war are replaced by the embrace of peace and harmony.”
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The Game of Peace exemplifies the concept of obstructionism in art. It depicts a cordial football match between Israel and Hamas, serving as a powerful symbol of the yearning for peace and promotion of peaceful dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians.
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The work titled Global Granaries in Flames is influenced by the devastating effects of the Russian-Ukraine war. One of the key aspects that inspired the artist is the destruction and burning of farm produce which has resulted in a severe food shortage, particularly in middle-class economies predominantly in Africa. Many African countries heavily rely on Ukrainian granaries for their food supply chain.
“Global granaries are vital structures for the storage and preservation of food on an international scale. These granaries play a critical role in ensuring food security, minimizing post-harvest losses, and stabilizing food prices. Through efficient management of grain stocks, global granaries contribute to the overall well-being and sustainability of our planet’s food systems,” Mbera explains.
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