Made in Ghana stadium by Ibrahim Mahama unveiled in London

Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama has transformed the Barbican Centre in London with his monumental art piece, “Purple Hibiscus”.

This vibrant installation, made from 2,000 square meters of woven cloth, covers the structure’s façade in a striking contrast to its usual concrete exterior.

Over 1,000 weavers and seamstresses in Ghana contributed to its creation, providing economic support to their community.

Ghanaian traditional attire called batakaris was also incorporated reflecting the artist’s fascination with textile life cycles and historical memory.

The artist sees materials as containing spirits and chooses to work with fabrics worn over the body, believing they carry the essence of human experience.

Ibrahim Mahama’s sourcing of threads from China underscores the project’s global significance, showcasing the intricate web of connections between politics, art, and commerce on a worldwide scale.

Barbican is a cultural hub that offers a diverse range of events, and exhibitions, and explores the power and politics of textiles in art, classical and contemporary music.

Despite mixed reactions surrounding the exhibition, Mahama remains committed to engaging with political issues through his art, advocating for deeper understanding and dialogue rather than withdrawal.

This project marks a significant moment for Mahama, who recently won the inaugural Sam Gilliam Award and will showcase a new body of work at the Fruitmarket Gallery in Edinburgh later this year.

Source: www.theartnewspaper.com