The Banana Banker
Description
This painting brings humor and symbolism together — a monkey dressed like a polished businessman, clutching a banana as if it were a symbol of power. Willard Magiga cleverly plays with how African totems connect animals to identity, personality, and community roles. Here, the monkey — often seen as clever, playful, and mischievous — steps into the world of corporate seriousness. The cream suit, wristwatch, and tie signal modern ambition, while the banana reminds viewers of natural instinct that cannot be fully disguised. The floating bananas emphasize desire, distraction, and the absurdity of prestige. It’s a parody of how humans dress up civilization, yet our primal instincts still influence decisions, competition, and everyday behavior. In Zimbabwean culture, monkeys are admired for intelligence but also laughed at for chaos — a duality reflected in corporate life. Magiga highlights that beneath status and sophistication, we are still driven by hunger for success.Try it!
