Kapwani Kiwanga’s Sisal sculptures are crafted from thin white-gold sisal threads that hang and drape over metal rods. Originating from the agave cactus of southern Mexico, sisal was introduced to Tanzania by German plantation owners in the 19th century. Initially cultivated on a large scale through colonial exploitation, the plant later became a cornerstone of Tanzanian agriculture. Following independence, sisal was nationalised as part of the Ujamaa socialist movement, transforming it into a vital driver of the country’s economic self-sufficiency and a symbol of its emerging independence.

Kiwanga’s series of sculptures reflects her sociological and economic insights into the material’s historical layers, presenting sisal not only as a resilient fibre but as a silent witness to colonialism, economic empowerment, and the enduring impact of global capitalism. Suspended and meticulously arranged, these works recall how past entanglements continue to shape present-day cultural and economic landscapes.