Tracey Rose

The title of this photograph merges the initials of Marie Antoinette (MA) and Queen Elizabeth II (QEII). The former was the Queen of France, who was despised by her people. She represented a greedy monarch that was detached from the poor masses. She was killed in 1793, during the French Revolution. Marie Antoinette is popularly known for the phrase ‘Let them eat cake’ – a response to the bread crisis experienced by the masses of her country at the time. Rose depicts this historical figure holding a chocolate cake, her face painted white. The duplication of this image suggests Queen Elizabeth II as her double.

Both queens are displayed as giants standing over a South African township, therefore highlighting the legacy of British colonialism and the exploitation of South Africa’s resources. Displayed like ghosts, their past actions and their indulgence in class privilege haunt the people, who continue to suffer from economic inequality. As they float above a township, do these figures caution us against another impending revolution?