In the heart of Paris, rough pieces of burlap drape between Fondation Cartier’s historic arches, paying homage to the journey of cocoa sacks from Ghana to Europe. These burlap sacks, produced in India or Bangladesh, are transformed into profound artworks by Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama. An exhibition featuring his monumental installations — brimming with historical narratives — headlines “The Harvest Season,” the museum’s second major showcase in its expansive Jean Nouvel-designed space.
From Tamale to Global Recognition
Born in Tamale, northern Ghana, in 1987, Mahama honed his craft at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. His international breakthrough came in 2015 at the Venice Biennale, where he famously draped the Arsenale in burlap sacks. His works, displayed in this Paris exhibition, delve into Ghana’s history — from colonialism to the 1966 coup — posing critical questions on legacies of African independence. As Aby Gaye-Duparc, the exhibition curator, articulates, Mahama’s art asks: “What remains of these utopias conceived during the African independence era?”
A Portal to Ghana’s Industrial Past
Mahama’s exhibition includes the evocative “Parliament of Ghosts,” showcasing empty parliamentary chairs made from wooden stools of Ghana’s Asante Empire. His newest work, “Things Fall Apart,” features elements of the defunct Aboso Glass Factory, painstakingly reconstructed at the Fondation Cartier. The installation includes over 25,000 green glass bottles and the factory’s original sign, bridging past potential with present artistry. This showcase in Paris reflects his innovative vision and continued engagement with historical themes.
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The Power of Community and Collaboration
Proceeds from Mahama’s art fund educational initiatives in Ghana, including art centers like Red Clay, which houses old trains repurposed as art. His collaborative ethos extends to this exhibit, featuring works by his mentor, Dorothy Akpene Amenuke, and others. Amenuke’s velvet-like textile, “Gli,” is displayed alongside screenprinted pieces by German-Ghanaian artist Zohra Opoku and photography by James Barnor, Ghana’s pioneering photojournalist.
A Network of Artistic Perspectives
Also displayed are Gideon Appah’s figurative paintings, which capture Ghanaian culture through vibrant, historically themed portrayals. The Democratic Republic of Congo’s CATPC collective features sculptures in symbolic materials like cacao and palm oil, addressing the return of strength to the plantation. Congolese artist Ced’art Tamasala states, “We are returning some of our strength to where it was taken.”
“The Harvest Season” arrives amid Paris’ own social shifts, reflecting Mahama’s belief in art’s pivotal role in societal change. The Paris exhibition embodies this ideal, showcasing how artists, wielding their accrued influence, can drive meaningful progress. As he notes, “The world has been in crisis for far too long. Artists, wielding their accrued influence, can drive meaningful progress.”
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Source: wallpaper.com
Frequently asked questions
What materials does Ibrahim Mahama use in his art?
Ibrahim Mahama uses rough pieces of burlap, which are produced in India or Bangladesh, to create his profound artworks. He also utilizes objects like parliamentary chairs made from wooden stools and green glass bottles in his installations.
What themes does Ibrahim Mahama explore in his art?
His works delve into Ghana’s history, examining topics like colonialism and the legacies of African independence. He poses critical questions on what remains of the utopias conceived during the African independence era.
Does Ibrahim Mahama collaborate with other artists?
Yes, Mahama collaborates with other artists. His exhibit features works by his mentor, Dorothy Akpene Amenuke, as well as pieces by German-Ghanaian artist Zohra Opoku and photography by James Barnor.
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