By Nii B. Andrews.
The Dei Center for the Study of Contemporary Art in Accra has reopened with a solo exhibition of work from Patrick Tagoe-Turkson.
The well maintained and brightly lit ground floor space of the center is showcasing two groups of work by the artist under the title FROM DEBRIS TO DREAMS; it will last up until May 30 2024.
**** BOSOM NKYIREFUA, 271CM X 119CM, FOUND UPCYCLED FLIP-FLOPS ON SUEDE, 2023.*****
The first group of artworks consist of the famous genre of pieces that have been subjected to Tagoe-Turkson’s “transformative alchemy” – his meticulous craftsmanship whereby the plastic pieces of discarded flip flops on our beaches are morphed into monumental wall hangings.
Tagoe-Turkson has gone a step further: now, there are installation pieces of the flip flops sculptured over fibre glass (SIW) and the full flip flop thongs attached to the pieces.
The latter additions give a new dynamism to the wall hangings (examples EWO aka HONEY, METONKO STRAWBOARD, BOSOM NKYIREFUA).
As the existential threats to our collective survival mount, Tagoe-Turkson’s flip flop pieces, “beckon us to re-imagine our relationship with the environment and each other, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, the seeds of transformation lie dormant, waiting to blossom”.
Or if you prefer, his pieces symbolize a fervent supplication that shortly, we shall rise from the debris and detritus of our collective hubris to fulfil our most progressive dreams.
****ASAW (DANCE), 120CM X 120CM MEDIUM, FOUND UPCYCLED FLIP-FLOPS ON SUEDE, 2024.****
The second group of paintings on display consisted of much smaller paintings.
They are executed utilizing fiberglass net, fabric and ink on acid free paper.
But the size of the paintings does not reduce their aesthetic punch nor their technical virtuosity nor the urgency and relevance of their visual language.
***ABREWA NA DOMPE****
These paintings further cement Tagoe-Turkson’s place as an important African post modernist.
The compositions in a skillfull and successful manner transmit traditional sayings and proverbs as trenchant commentary and critique of contemporary issues.
These include the impact of unregulated urbanisation (OYIWA), the nutrition of the elderly (ABREWA NA DOMPE aka The old lady and the bone).
****MAABREOASEM, 42CM X 29.7CM, INK, FIBERGLASS NET &THREAD ON 250G/M2 ACID FREE PAPER, 2022.****
This is a must see exhibition.
“From Debris to Dreams” is presented by the El’Cou collective and commissioned by Konyo Museum of Ghanaian Art.
The exhibition realigns Ghana’s artistic practice to the visionary path and away from the recent trajectory of innumerable derivative figurative portraits fuelled by speculators both near and afar and their local wannabes.
Tagoe-Turkson’s pieces are an uplifting elaboration of creativity, sustainability, and the enduring power of art to transcend boundaries and unite us in a shared vision of a brighter and much more sensible future – one devoid of revanchnism, and the unbridled purported rule of the market place.
***SIW, 90CM X 80CM X 160CM, FOUND UPCYCLED FLIP-FLOPS, STRAWBOARD, AND FABRIC, 2024***
Patrick Tagoe-Turkson
FROM DEBRIS
TO DREAMS
Being the Overseas Biennale Ghana Pavilion,
Ghana
Private Preview Reception
Thursday, 11th April. 2024
6pm – 9pm
Open for Public Viewing
12th April- 30th May, 2024
Dei Center for the Study of Contemporary Art
No. 7A Ninth Street
Tesano – Accra
Ghana
GPS: GA-206-2883