Hyundai Commission: Kara Walker
The most ambitious Hyundai Commissions to date
Artist Kara Walker undertakes the Hyundai Motor commission for the year 2019, intervening in the setting of the Turbine Hall at Tate Modern, London.
For the occasion, Walker presents a 13-metre tall working fountain inspired by the memorial in front of Buckingham Palace, London. “Fons Americanus” is an epic work, an investigation into interconnected histories of Africa, America, and Europe. Water is the key element, addressing the slaves trade on transatlantic, and the life histories of migrating people from the three continents.
The New-York based painter’s artistic practice, ranging from drawings, prints and murals to large-scale installations, deals with topics related to race, gender, sexuality, and violence.
Frances Morris, Director of Tate Modern said: “Kara Walker fearlessly tackles some of the most complex issues we face today. Her work addresses history and identity with a powerful directness, but also with great understanding, nuance and wit”.
The intervention by Walker is the fifth Hyundai Commission, born from the long-term partnership between Tate and Hyundai Motor to invite contemporary artists to interact with the unique industrial setting of the Turbine Hall.
