Mozambië / De Sahara 1894 - 1959

This print, “Mozambique/The Sahara” was created by A. de Ker and presents two distinct geographical locales within a single frame, using contrasting imagery and cultural representations. The work's structure is divided into two distinct rectangular panels bordered by decorative vines, establishing a clear demarcation between the depictions of Mozambique and the Sahara. In the upper panel, figures navigate a river alongside a hippopotamus, rendered with dark, muted tones that evoke a sense of untamed wilderness. In contrast, the lower panel displays a caravan traversing the desert. De Ker’s work can be viewed through the lens of semiotics, where the visual elements function as signs within a larger cultural code. The work not only reflects a certain European perspective on these regions but also invites ongoing dialogue about representation, cultural exchange, and the complexities inherent in viewing the world through art.