This teakwood sculpture by George Obeng is deeply moving. The man is depicted with a sinewy torso and a determined look on his face. He carries a woman, obviously helpless and agonizing, across his muscular shoulders. The juxtaposition of the contours of their bodies attests to the brilliant carving skills of Obeng. The wood remains in its natural state so the warm glow of the teak can achieve its full expression. Obeng voices his social and human concerns through his art. It serves as a vehicle to express his profound concern for injustice and poverty. He tells us that this statuette is in honor of the first Beijing Conference on Women. George believes that women are treated as second-class citizens, especially in lesser developed communities. His work has been exhibited across the world, testifying to the universal resonance of his themes.
