Efiɛ Gallery, is a contemporary art gallery specialising in the promotion of African artists from within the continent and the diaspora, with a focus on West African art. The new gallery will represent both established and emerging African artists and support the sharing of their works in the Middle East, creating a platform for collaboration and exchange between the two regions.
Efiɛ Gallery’s debut exhibition co-curated by Kobi Mintah, Kwame Mintah and Afia Owusu-Afriyie, and taking place at a specially-designed Art Gallery at the Burj Plaza by Emaar, is grounded in the sentiment of celebrating connections – connecting tradition and legacy with forward thinking modernity in the new Africa.
Inspiration for the gallery designed by Ghanaian architect Alice Asafu-Adjaye, has been drawn from traditions, historic and cultural symbols, and environmental conditions that dictate the lifestyles and rich cultures of both Africa and the Middle East.
“Our inaugural exhibition literally and figuratively allude to the expression of connections in every facet, including the design of the Art Gallery itself, which is an ultra- modern abstraction of two independent yet connected spaces, celebrating the communal oneness of Africa whilst celebrating its diversity,” said Afia Owusu-Afriyie, Co-curator of Efiɛ Gallery. “It celebrates acclaimed and revered artists whilst providing a platform for those that are still emerging, illustrating the synergy between art as we traditionally know it and art as an immersive experience of sound and visuals, all coexisting in the same space.”
The first gallery space is dominated by a dedicated exhibition of four installations by internationally revered and multi-award winning Ghanaian artist El Anatsui, known for his large-scale sculptures, composed of thousands of folded and crumpled pieces of metal. His famous iconic sculptures have been collected by more than 60 major international museums, globally recognised art galleries, auction houses such as Christie’s and Sotheby’s, as well as corporate and individual art collectors. Sculptor, art scholar and mentor, Professor Anatsui has influenced and inspired a generation of artists and students nationally, continentally and globally. Speaking ahead of the exhibition’s launch, the acclaimed artist said: “It is a pleasure to be part of the inaugural exhibition of the Efiɛ Gallery, an important curatorial addition to the Middle East’s burgeoning arts landscape. After a period of stifled connection between us all, Efiɛ offers a timely and welcome bridge between cultures, continents and ages.”