247. Preying Mantra. Wangechi Mutu. 2006 CE Mixed media on Mylar.

• Form and Content
  • Collaged female figure composed of human and animal parts, objects, and machine parts
  • She reclines in a relaxed position
  • A greens snake interlocks with her fingers; bird feathers appear on the back of her head
  • Her left earlobe has chicken feet, insect legs, and pinchers
  • She has blotched skin
• Context
  • Wangechi Mutu is a Kenya-born,, New York-based artist
  • Art related to Afro-Futurism
  • Cyborg: a person whose function is aided by a mechanical device or whose powers are enhanced by computer implants
  • The work is a commentary on the female persona in art history
  • Ironic twist on the praying mantis:
    • Suggests religious rituals
    • Mantis means “prophet” in Greek