In the heart of Accra, where the relentless sun beats down, and the city pulses with life—a severe water crisis is affecting everyday life. Amid this challenge, renowned artist Jeremiah Quarshie is set to unveil his second solo exhibition, ‘Memories of Yellow: A Game of Power and Chance’ at the Kempinski Gold Coast Art Galleria on March 6, 2025.
This exhibition is more than a display of artistic talent; it is a powerful commentary on Accra’s water scarcity and a tribute to the resilience of women who confront these challenges every day.
The exhibition: Memories of Yellow: A Game of Power and Chance
Quarshie’s latest collection goes beyond aesthetics. It uses art as a medium to explore the dynamics of power, chance and survival in a city grappling with a critical water crisis. The exhibition not only challenges viewers to confront the harsh realities of life, but also celebrates the indomitable spirit of the women of Accra—those who work, teach and care for their communities against overwhelming odds.
Celebrating resilience: Women at the forefront
Across boardrooms, classrooms, laboratories and homes, Accra’s women defy stereotypes and shatter barriers. Their relentless pursuit of success and empowerment has been a silent force shaping the city’s future. Quarshie’s work encapsulates this journey: each brushstroke and vibrant hue is a tribute to their strength and the crucial role they play in driving both social change and economic growth.
Studies have shown that when more women work, economies grow. It is estimated that closing the gender gap could give the global economy a US$7trillion boost and, in this light, the artist’s work becomes an ode to a future where gender equality fuels shared prosperity.
Early years and the birth of an artistic inspiration
Jeremiah Quarshie showed an innate passion for art from a very young age. “According to my parents, I’ve been drawing since I was about two years old. Art has always been my first love,” he recalls. Despite societal expectations and pressures to follow conventional career paths, Quarshie pursued his passion. He honed his skills at Labone Secondary School, specialised in Visual Arts, and later earned a Fine Arts Degree from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi in 2007.
From ‘Yellow is the Color of Water’ to today
Quarshie’s artistic journey is characterised by an acute social awareness. His first solo exhibition in 2016, ‘Yellow is the Color of Water’, marked the beginning of his exploration into water-related themes—a subject that hit close to home as he observed Accra’s chronic water issues. “Eleven years ago, after having observed Accra’s peculiar water problem for years as a child after my family moved to Nungua in 1992,” he explains, “I wanted to express that issue through my art, focusing particularly on the women who bear the brunt of this crisis.” His latest exhibition expands on these themes, capturing diverse experiences and revealing the intimate stories of women whose lives are intertwined with the struggle for water.
The immersive experience: More than just an exhibition
Memories of Yellow promises an immersive experience where visitors can engage with art that tells a story. Quarshie’s meticulous attention to detail—often creating works that almost resemble photographs—invites viewers to connect deeply with his subjects. “I want people to see themselves in these women,” he asserts. “It’s not just about depicting Ghanaian or perhaps African womanhood; it’s about showcasing their strength, dignity and the daily challenges they overcome,” he says.
Art and development – Giving back to the community
For Quarshie, art is inseparable from effecting change. His commitment to addressing social issues through his work is evident in his desire to give back. “Many artists, unlike many in positions of power, dream of creating opportunities for others because they have been through situations that they don’t’ and won’t like others – especially artists – to go through,” he notes.
Beyond exhibiting his work, he is dedicated to building spaces, organising art and cultural events, training younger artists and creating a vibrant art industry in Ghana to the benefit of everyone. Quarshie believes that art can drive economic development—just as museums and galleries have become significant revenue sources in Europe—by inspiring change and nurturing a supportive community.
Overcoming challenges: The struggle of a Ghanaian artist
Despite a burgeoning art scene in Ghana, local artists often face significant hurdles in gaining recognition and support. “Most of our artworks end up in the hands of foreign collectors,” Quarshie laments. This reality, combined with a history of looted artifacts, underscores the need for a culture that champions home-grown talent. For Quarshie, art is not a luxury—it is a necessity that can drive societal transformation and stimulate economic growth.
Mentorship and collaboration – Nurturing the next generation
Quarshie’s philosophy extends beyond his personal achievements. He is a firm believer in the power of mentorship and collaboration within the art community. “Just like in sports where experienced players who become coaches guide younger ones, we need to create an environment where established artists can support emerging talent,” he explains.
His efforts to mentor young artists and foster creative collaborations are critical for sustaining a vibrant and dynamic art scene in Accra and beyond. He states: “Interestingly, there is a strong relationship between Art and other fields such as Architecture, Engineering and Technology. Sadly we have been made to believe Art is not that important”.
A vision for the future – Transformation through art
As the exhibition date draws near, Quarshie reflects on the impact he hopes to achieve. “I want people to walk away with a deeper understanding of the water crisis and its effects on our society,” he states. For him, art is a powerful tool for storytelling—capable of sparking dialogue, challenging perceptions and inspiring action. Through his work, he redefines the role of art in contemporary society, making it a vehicle for change and a testament to human resilience.
Art as a beacon of hope
‘Memories of Yellow: The Game of Power and Chance’ is set to be more than an art exhibition; it is a transformative experience that shines a light on Accra’s water crisis and celebrates the strength of its people, particularly its women. Jeremiah Quarshie stands at the intersection of art and activism, reminding us that art is not merely about aesthetics but is a powerful catalyst for change. As he aptly puts it: “Art is not just about aesthetics; it’s about connection, understanding and, ultimately, transformation”.
In a city where water scarcity is often overlooked, Quarshie’s work is a vital reminder of the urgent need for change, a call to action for a future where access to clean water is a reality for all, and where the beauty of art can ignite hope and inspire progress.
Solo exhibitions
2022
- Daughters of Noah, Karlsruhe, Germany.
2016
- Yellow is the Colour of Water, Gallery 1957, Accra, Ghana
Selected group exhibitions
2021
- Self Addressed, Jeffery Deitch Gallery, Los Angeles, USA.
2020
- Welcome Home Vol. II, MACAAL, Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden, Marrakech, Morocco.
2019
- Material Insanity, MACAAL, Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden, Marrakech, Morocco
2018
- Talisman In the Age of Difference, Stephen Friedman Gallery, London, UK.
- All Things Being Equal… ,Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art, Cape Town, South Africa.
2017
- All Things Being Equal… ,Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art, Cape Town, South Africa.
2016
- The Collection, Gallery 1957, Accra, Ghana.
2015
- The Gown Must Go To Town, Science and Technology Musuem, Accra, Ghana.
- Silence Between the Lines, Prime Motors Showroom, Kumasi, Ghana.
2014
- The Munich-project, Global Art — Local View, Villa Mohr, Munich, Germany.
2013
- Muses, Goethe Institut, Accra
- The ‘Sabi Yu Rutu’ project, Paramaribo, Suriname
- Kaleidoscope, La Villa Boutique, Accra, Ghana 2012
- Time, Trade and Travel, Nubuke Foundation, Accra, Ghana.
- Time, Trade and Travel, Stedelijk Museum Bureau Amsterdam (SMBA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- The Ghana-project, Global Art — Local View, Goethe Institut, Accra, Ghana.
Art fairs
2023
- Art Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany.
2022
- Art Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany.
- Positions Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
2019
- Retro Africa Gallery at Art X Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
2017
- Gallery 1957 at 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair, New York, USA.
2016
- Gallery 1957 at Art X Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.
Residencies
2017
- African Artists’ Foundation (AAF), Lagos, Nigeria
Collections
- The Harn Museum of Art, Florida, USA
- Seth Dei Foundation, Accra, Ghana
- Zeitz Collection, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Philbrook Museum of Art, Oklahoma, USA.
- The World Bank Collection, Washington D.C. , USA
- Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Madden, Marrakech, Morocco.
- Foundation Gandur pour l’Art, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Private Collection, Stutgart, Germany.
