As part of events earmarked to bring down the curtain on its Young Ghana Artist (YGA) development programme, indigenous private visual arts and cultural institution, Nubuke Foundation, is set to host an exhibition under the theme ‘Look at WE’.
The exhibition, which will open on May 15, 2021 will run through to August 15, 2021 and will feature works by Lois Arde-Acquah and Theresa Ankomah.
Both artists were participants in the 2020 edition of the YGA programme, which was recently revised to focus on developing the practice of artists- ideas and process- with critique and mentoring sessions: and career planning and business awareness- with professionals.
“Sheets of Lois’ cut-out patterns, etchings and forms are emotionally embedded casualties of the repetitive strenuous exertions that she endures, marking the outpouring of her unvocalised pent up emotions. Starting with little actions, she carries on in almost frenzied movements, until the cumulative effect are swathes and mounds of materials-synthetic leather- subjected to forces which can be compared to a violent storm.
Visitors will experience Lois’ performance at the opening as she places herself under duress, monotony, strenuousness and stress. This work poses many questions to the viewer as they find themselves embarking on this vulnerable exercise with the artist as she pushes herself to the limits of self-punishment. Visitors may leave with ‘more questions than answers’,” a statement by the Foundation reads.
Theresa’s works, on the other hand, come from a journey of curiosity and exploration evolving around the intricacies rooted within the weaving practice – the process of birthing complexities, exposing embedded meanings, just by the simple process of interlocking of strands, fibres, amongst others.
“She navigates all these strands, connecting with actors whilst attempting to make sense and bring meaning into her own practice… Her work extends and extrapolates the usefulness of these everyday objects whilst also acknowledging the transient nature of the materials,” the statement adds.
In line with the prevailing restrictions on gatherings as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no official opening event on May 15, 2021. In similar vein, not more than 10 people will be allowed into the gallery at any time with groups of participants required to contact the Foundation for a confirmed booking.
To further promote the safety of participants, Nubuke Foundation, for the duration of the exhibition, will be encouraging online registration on its website where preferred time slots can be indicated.
Since 2013, Nubuke Foundation’s Young Ghana Artist (YGA) programme has informally been seminal in launching the career of recently graduated or self-taught Ghanaian artists. The programme was conceived to prepare artists for their career journey as a confidence-booster in a non-judgmental, supportive way in which was vital at the nascent of their careers. They are encouraged to approach their practice from a place of authenticity.
