Ferlov Mancoba
Audio file 27-1
Wonga [speaking in French] speaks about his interest in writing about the mask in society; he speaks of Marilyn Monroe as an example of a modern mask.
In the family archives are essays (believed to be unpublished) by Wonga on the mask in Sonja Ferlov Mancoba's work
Ernest responds that the mask is essential and present in all societies. That whilst the mask can be used in a positive way, he worries that modern society uses the mask in a "negative" and "destructive" way, the sexualistion of Monroe as an example.
Ernest believes that leaders of societies want to maintain the status quo and imposes functions - or roles - on the individuals of a society - gender, race... Wonga is reminded of a Genet play where black actors play all the roles.
[tape stopped and restarts] Ernest reiterates that the subject of the mask is important, because each human group is imposed a "function". He speaks of women and black people having the greatest impositions. If one does not play this role, they face persecution.
[tape stopped and restarts] Ernest is reminded that during the opening of Høst exhibition 1948, and the party afterwards when the group was singing and dancing, that when he chose to sit for a spell, someone [unidentified] remarked that Ernest should be the one dancing, suggesting the presumed extroverted nature of blacks. Wonga adds about Picasso making a comment about Wilfredo Lam.
Facts
PDFAbout the recordings: Ernest Mancoba's son, Marc also known as Wonga, recorded 200+ interviews with his father. The interviews seemed to serve different purposes and are not in chronological order. A selection, based on art historical relevance and copyright clearance, have been published.
Audio file 27-1 (c.1990-2002)