108 Sculptures, One Message: The World Must Not Forget Chibok

By Harriet Tornguvan 

More than a decade after the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls shook the world, their story continues to resonate far beyond Nigeria's borders. While governments, humanitarian organisations and activists have long sought justice and accountability, artists are increasingly ensuring that the tragedy is not erased from global memory.

That enduring message came into focus recently in Marrakech, Morocco, where Hollywood actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie attended the opening of Statues Also Breathe, an exhibition at the Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL). 

Her presence underscored the exhibition's significance as more than an artistic showcase it is a powerful memorial dedicated to the Chibok girls who remain missing.

The exhibition, created by acclaimed French artist Prune Nourry in collaboration with Nigerian musician and activist Ade Bantu, transforms one of Nigeria's most painful national tragedies into a universal conversation about memory, resilience and hope.

At the heart of the exhibition are 108 clay sculptures inspired by the renowned Ife heads, masterpieces of ancient Yoruba artistry celebrated for their striking realism and cultural significance. By drawing inspiration from one of Africa's greatest artistic traditions, the exhibition bridges Nigeria's rich cultural heritage with its contemporary struggles.

What makes the collection especially poignant is the deeply personal process behind each sculpture. Rather than relying on imagination, Prune Nourry modelled every piece using photographs entrusted to her by the mothers of the abducted girls. The sculptures therefore become more than works of art—they are symbolic portraits carrying the hopes, grief and enduring love of families who continue to wait for answers.

The project reflects the growing role of art as a tool for preserving history and amplifying voices that might otherwise fade from international attention. While headlines move on and political priorities shift, exhibitions like Statues Also Breathe remind audiences that unresolved humanitarian crises continue to affect real families and communities.

Angelina Jolie's attendance also reinforces her long-standing advocacy for refugees, conflict victims and vulnerable populations. Throughout her humanitarian career, she has consistently used her global platform to draw attention to human rights issues that often receive diminishing public attention. Her presence at the exhibition sends a message that the plight of the Chibok girls remains an international concern.

The collaboration between Prune Nourry and Ade Bantu also highlights the power of cross-cultural partnerships. By combining European contemporary art with Nigerian activism and African artistic traditions, the exhibition creates a shared space where memory transcends geography, nationality and language.

For Nigeria, the Chibok abduction remains one of the defining tragedies of the country's modern history. Although many of the girls have regained their freedom over the years, others remain unaccounted for, leaving families caught between hope and uncertainty.

In that context, Statues Also Breathe serves as both a memorial and a call to conscience. The silent clay figures stand as witnesses to lives interrupted, dreams deferred and families forever changed. They also challenge the international community not to allow the passage of time to diminish the urgency of justice and remembrance.

Ultimately, the exhibition demonstrates that art possesses a unique ability to preserve memory where politics and news cycles often fall short. Every sculpture tells a story, every face represents a daughter still remembered, and every visitor is invited to reflect on the enduring human cost of conflict.

As the exhibition opens its doors in Morocco, it carries with it a message that echoes far beyond the gallery walls: the Chibok girls are not forgotten, and neither should the world's commitment to ensuring that their story continues to inspire action, compassion and hope.