Spirit of Benin

Spirit of Benin transforms a ceramic vessel into a contemporary sculptural tribute to the artistic traditions of the historic Kingdom of Benin, particularly the highly accomplished court sculptures commonly known as the Benin Bronzes. Rather than reproducing an historical object, Quarles interprets characteristics of Benin royal imagery through an accessible and contemporary material—polymer clay. Spirit of Benin occupies a space between sculpture, decorative art, and cultural homage. The central figure of Queen Ida represents strength, dignity, and ancestral presence. Her elaborate headdress, jewelry, patterned collar, and gold surface reference the visual richness of Benin court art while remaining distinctly contemporary. Importantly, the work is conceived as a three-dimensional object in the round. The hand-modeled hibiscus flowers, leaves, and vines continue around the sides and interact with the projecting portrait, allowing the composition to unfold as the viewer moves around the vessel. The winding vine introduce themes of nature, growth, vitality, and renewal. The contrast between the dark vessel, luminous gold figure, and vivid botanical forms is intentional. Together, these elements create a visual dialogue between history and the present, permanence and transformation, and ceremonial art and contemporary craft.