"Zouave" by Bisa Butler is "inspired by a photo of a likely Senegalese soldier in Paris in 1915".

Artist Statement (From Bisa Butler's Instagram): "**There is no paint on this artwork* The Zouaves were of the most decorated units of the French army who came from north, west and East African French colonies. The Zouaves were used on the front lines of WWI and suffered heavy casualties in France while still being under colonial oppression at home. 

This was inspired by a photo of a likely Senegalese soldier in Paris in 1915. Cotton, silk, wool and velvet, unfinished and soon to be quilted and appliquéd *the fabric on his pants is called Kofi Annan’s Brain after the former and late Un Secretary General known for his brilliance and Nkrumah’s pencil named after the first president of a free African Nation; Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana."

Inspiration: From a photograph by George Grantham Bain via the Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division Washington D.C.

Materials: Cotton, Silk, Lace and Velvet

Techniques: Quilted and Appliquéd