The Cartier Foundation in Paris is hosting an exhibition titled "Le Temps des récoltes" by Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama, featuring works by 7 artists and 2 collectives. The exhibition, which runs until February 28, 2027, explores the theme of reclaiming the past to build a better future. Mahama's work often incorporates jute sacks used for exporting Ghanaian cocoa, which he began using in 2019 to create large-scale installations.
One of Mahama's notable works, "Parliament of Ghosts," is an installation that represents a legislative assembly with empty seats, symbolizing a "failed democracy." The work was inspired by Ghana's first military coup in 1966, which overthrew President Kwame Nkrumah. For the exhibition, Mahama reimagined the installation with over 100 Ashanti stools, creating an agora where visitors can sit and engage with the artwork.
The exhibition also features works by other artists, including Zohra Opoku, Gideon Appah, and Tjaša Rener, who explore themes of identity, history, and social justice. Jeanne Barral, curator of the exhibition, notes that Mahama's use of Ashanti stools is a significant gesture of reconciliation, as these objects were often taken from Africa and displayed in European museums.
The concept of "sankofa," an Akan philosophy that emphasizes learning from the past to build a better future, is a common thread throughout the exhibition. Mahama's work, as well as that of the other artists, reflects on the complexities of Ghanaian history and culture. The exhibition also features a collection of archives and artifacts from Ghana's history, including a television broadcast by Ghanaian filmmaker Nii Kwate Owoo.
The Cercle d'Art des Travailleurs de Plantation Congolaise (CATPC), a collective of 23 artists from the Democratic Republic of Congo, is also participating in the exhibition. The collective creates sculptures inspired by the history of plantation workers and the land they work on. Their work is a testament to the power of art to heal and restore the environment.
Mahama's commitment to giving back to his community is evident in his establishment of three art centers in his hometown of Tamale, Ghana. The centers provide a platform for local artists to showcase their work and engage with the community. The exhibition at the Cartier Foundation is Mahama's first in Paris and marks a significant milestone in his career.
The exhibition "Le Temps des récoltes" offers a powerful exploration of the intersection of art, history, and identity. Through the works of Ibrahim Mahama and the other participating artists, the exhibition provides a nuanced and thought-provoking reflection on the complexities of Ghanaian culture and the African experience.
Key points
- The exhibition "Le Temps des récoltes" features works by 7 artists and 2 collectives, exploring themes of identity, history, and social justice.
- Ibrahim Mahama's work often incorporates jute sacks used for exporting Ghanaian cocoa, which he began using in 2019 to create large-scale installations.
- The concept of "sankofa," an Akan philosophy that emphasizes learning from the past to build a better future, is a common thread throughout the exhibition.
