So I thought I'd share a trip I took a while back to White Cube gallery to have a look at an exhibition by Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama (West African gang whoop whoop). The exhibition was largely installations which touched on themes of migration, globalisation as well as economic exchange. The exhibition is inspired by a book by the artist, also titled "Fragments" which explores the atmosphere in newly independent Ghana particularly in reference to materialism and corruption. He explores themes of capitalism and production contrasted with decay and disintegration. Through out his exhibiton, Mahama explores potential and hardship through materials and their traces- using them for some other purpose in order to convey a positive outlook on the future of Ghana.
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| Non Orientable Nkansa |
For this piece, Mahama worked with a number of collaborators in the exchange of shoe-maker boxes which he then rearranged into this piece. The piece gives an insight into the life of materials and their potential for re-purpose.
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| Crop Estate |
The sacks undergo transition in their exchange to and from Ghanian trade markets. The decadent qualities of the sack reflect this. Upon closer look you can see evidence of the exchange of these sacks on their surface.
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| Exchange Exchanger |
This was probably one of the more intriguing exhibitions I've had the pleasure of visiting! Mahama's pieces gave an enlightening insight into his perspectives on the socio economic context of a newly independent Ghana.
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