Moffat Takadiwa, an artist based in Harare, Zimbabwe, transforms discarded technology into intricate sculptures. His works, showcased in The Crown! at Semiose, grapple with the 'colonial hangover'—the lingering effects of Europe’s colonial legacy on Africa.

Takadiwa collects items like plastic combs and computer keys from Mbare landfill, sorting them into vibrant patterns that reflect both consumer culture and resistance. Curator Fernanda Brenner describes these pieces as tackling ‘the tensions of Africa's post-colonial afterlife.’

The sculptures are a tapestry of softness and brittleness, hinting at the beauty born from overconsumption but also reminding viewers of the waste’s origins. Brenner notes: 'If beauty could settle old scores, the art world would have solved more than it has.' Her words echo the reality that no matter how artfully arranged, the discarded items still carry their past.

The exhibition highlights the duality of Africa's modernity and its history; afro combs, once tools for grooming and ritual, now symbolize resistance. Takadiwa’s space in a former colonial beer hall further underscores this narrative, offering a quiet correction to the belief that problems can be 'deleted.'

The Crown! runs until May 16 in Paris, where visitors can see these striking artworks up close.