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DEBUT EXHIBITION

21st October to 8th November 2021

Burj Plaza by Emaar

All Africa Festival

Dubai

Efiɛ Gallery’s debut exhibition, taking place at a specially designed pavilion at the Burj Plaza by Emaar, is grounded in the sentiment of celebrating connections and fostering cross-cultural exchange between the contintent of Africa and the Middle East. The exhibition features a dedicated presentation of four installations by internationally revered and multi award- winning Ghanaian artist, El Anatsui, alongside acclaimed artists.

Designed by Ghanaian architect Alice Asafu-Adjaye, the Efiɛ Gallery Debut Exhibition Pavillion represents several years of research and experimentation with the materials of the designer’s culture and background in Ghana. Influenced by the environment and culture of Africa and the Middle East, inspiration for the Gallery has been drawn from traditions, historic and cultural symbols, and environmental conditions that dictate the lifestyles and rich cultures of both regions. Specific reference is made to the Adinkra symbols of the Akan of Ghana – the Aya (fern), a symbol of endurance, independence, defiance against difficulties, hardiness, perseverance and resourcefulness, and the Eban (fence), which much like the Middle Eastern Mashrabiya, signifies safety, security and love – design elements that symbolically and practically separate and secure the family from the outside.

Featuring artists
El Anatsui – James Barnor – Maggie Otieno – Isshaq Ismail
Yaw Owusu – Betty Acquah – Kwaku Yaro – Slawn – Alice Asafu-Adjaye
Chrissa Amuah  – Larry Otoo – Kobi Mintah – Kojo Dwimoh – Theresah Ankomah 
Negyem Adonoo- Amine Allah Ammar – Gbemileke Adekunle – Deryk Owusu-Bempah – Alex Isokrari 

Curators:
Afia Owusu-Afriyie
Kobi Mintah
Kwame Nsiah Adomako Mintah