A new exhibition in Accra is highlighting the daily lives of street hawkers, showcasing their resilience and contribution to the city's informal economy. The exhibition, titled Apampam Store, features paintings by Ghanaian artist Nicholas Tettey Wayo, popularly known as Nico Wayo. The month-long exhibition is his first solo show at the Christiansborg Archaeological Heritage Project (CAHP) Centre in Osu. The artwork depicts the lives of street hawkers who sell food, drinks, and other items to motorists and passengers.
The title of the exhibition, Apampam Store, reflects the nature of the trade, with vendors carrying their goods on their heads as they move between vehicles in search of customers. The street hawkers sell a variety of items, including sobolo, kelewele, groundnuts, pawpaw, FanYogo, popcorn, bofrot, meat pies, and plantain chips. These vendors have become a familiar sight on the streets of Accra. The exhibition aims to draw attention to their importance in the daily lives of residents.
Mr. Wayo said his work seeks to move beyond the common perception of hawkers as a nuisance and highlight the important role they play in the daily lives of residents. He believes that the hawkers are not just vendors, but also life savers, providing essential goods and services to people in traffic. The exhibition showcases the hustle and resilience of these street hawkers, who navigate through traffic to sell their goods.
The exhibition was opened at the CAHP Centre in Osu, providing a platform for Mr. Wayo to showcase his artwork. The centre is a suitable location for the exhibition, given its focus on preserving and promoting Ghanaian heritage. The exhibition has generated interest among art enthusiasts and the general public, who are eager to learn more about the lives of street hawkers.
Mr. Wayo's artwork is a reflection of his observation of the street hawkers and their role in the city's informal economy. He has taken the time to study and understand the lives of these vendors, and his artwork reflects their struggles and triumphs. The exhibition is a testament to the artist's skill and creativity in capturing the essence of street hawkers' lives.
The exhibition has been well-received by the public, with many attendees praising Mr. Wayo's artwork and the importance of the exhibition. The exhibition has also sparked conversations about the role of street hawkers in the city's economy and the need to appreciate their contributions. The exhibition will run for a month, providing ample time for people to visit and learn more about the lives of street hawkers.
The Apampam Store exhibition is a significant contribution to the Ghanaian art scene, highlighting the lives of street hawkers and their importance in the city's informal economy. The exhibition is a must-visit for art enthusiasts and anyone interested in learning more about the lives of street hawkers in Accra. Mr. Wayo's artwork is a testament to the resilience and creativity of these vendors, who continue to play a vital role in the city's economy.
Key points
- The exhibition highlights the importance of street hawkers in Accra's informal economy.
