KOJO MARFO – CRUCIBLE OF HOPE

Ghanaian painter Kojo MARFO is coming to Istanbul for the first time with his exhibition titled “CRUCIBLE OF HOPE”, curated by Zeynep ÖZTÜRK. Hosted by DG Art Project, the exhibition is set to meet art lovers on February 13.

Born in Ghana in 1980 and having spent his childhood in different regions of the country, Kojo MARFO is preparing to meet Istanbul’s art audience with his exhibition “Umut Denemesi,” curated by Zeynep ÖZTÜRK. Drawing inspiration from the experiences he gained in the geography where he was born and raised, the Ghanaian artist expresses his excitement about holding his first exhibition in Turkey.

Having grown up in a society where a matriarchal order prevails—contrary to the patriarchal systems commonly seen in many parts of the world—Marfo wishes viewers to perceive reflections of Akan culture and the challenges he experienced in the West within his works. He states that encountering Western art and Picasso in a library during his school years in Ghana played a significant role in the development of his artistic vision. While building connections with people through his art, MARFO references traditional Akan art through various styles and techniques, addressing social issues such as inequality, religion, and politics.

In his works, he refuses to answer the questions: “Who is this figure? What are they? Where do they come from?”

Encountering one of Marfo’s portraits means witnessing the merging of cultural differences and traditions, and sensing that identity and race are constructs—structured narratives without any inherent essence.

Having pursued his artistic journey across many places from America to London, Kojo MARFO emphasizes elements such as sincerity, love, and universality in his works. The Ghanaian painter explains himself and his art with the following words:
“I am not interested in painting something beautiful that you can hang in your home. I want my art to connect with people, to become a symbol that everyone can relate to. Regardless of what you have experienced or where you live, I want my art to help people reflect on and contemplate their inner worlds.”

In his practice, Marfo also seeks to depict the social and geographical fabric of Africa through figurative means. As a result of the matriarchal structure that holds an important place in the region where he was born and raised, female figures frequently appear in his works. At times, mothers tightly embracing their children, family members connected through physical touch, and compositions infused with intimacy clearly convey feelings of love and attachment. Block colors, strong shapes and figures, floral headpieces rendered in vibrant hues, and layered beaded necklaces adorning his subjects create a joyful and celebratory atmosphere within his paintings.

Marfo does not neglect the use of the “Akan Fertility Doll” figure in his works, viewing art as a means of exploring his cultural heritage and shedding light on social issues.

The “Akan Fertility Doll” Figure in Kojo MARFO’s Works:

The “Akan Fertility Doll” figure used in Marfo’s works holds great significance for the Akan people. The Akan view themselves as a united nation, and the term “Akan” means “First and foremost.” Representing civilization and enlightenment, the “Akan Fertility Doll” is reshaped by the artist with rounder forms. Through this reinterpretation, the artist aims to convey universally resonant emotions such as dignity and sincerity to viewers through iconography.

The Ghanaian Painter’s “CRUCIBLE OF HOPE” Exhibition Will Be Open Until March 11, 2024

Inspired by his own experiences and instincts, and rejecting all rigid frameworks along his journey—while defining freedom as “the highest level of joy”—Marfo’s “UMUT DENEMESİ” exhibition, curated by Zeynep ÖZTÜRK, will be on view at DG Art Project between February 13 and March 11, 2024.

ABOUT KOJO MARFO

Kojo Marfo is a Ghana-born, London-based contemporary artist. Bringing together West African visual culture and European modernism, his practice explores themes of identity, belonging, and collective memory through figurative painting. Through simplified forms, strong color usage, and symbolic figures, Marfo establishes a dialogue between cultural heritage and contemporary life. The artist is regarded as one of the prominent international figures of contemporary figurative painting.