The Soview gallery in Accra is lighting up with a captivating group exhibition entitled “I SEE EVERYTHING YOU CAN BE“, bringing together the talents ofElroy Salam, Emmanuel Afriyie Arthur, Quarshie Dela, Baahwa and Mary-Jo Adjetey. Until 10 November, this artistic space will become a veritable sanctuary of creativity, offering a fascinating glimpse into the imaginations of these five contemporary Ghanaian artists. Through their varied mediums, they invite us to delve into the heart of their visions of the world and discover the intimate desires that drive them.
“I SEE EVERYTHING YOU CAN BE” marks a milestone, being the gallery’s first post-opening exhibition. It celebrates the work of these five emerging artists, winners of the Africa Prime Initiative (API) grant – the philanthropic arm of the American video streaming platform, Africa Prime – Artist. Elroy Salam, Emmanuel Afriyie Arthur, Quarshie Dela, Baahwa and Mary-Jo Adjetey, supported by the Soview gallery, are just some of the many applicants who brilliantly illustrate the dynamism of contemporary African art.
Through this exhibition, the Ghanaian public will have the opportunity to explore a rich palette of techniques and artistic approaches. From boldly reinvented photographs to immersively textured paintings on canvas, these artists manage to captivate and move. Their works, though unique in their expression, raise universal themes: the quest for self, a profound reflection on the place of tradition in a changing world, and a poignant exploration of identity and belonging. “I SEE EVERYTHING YOU CAN BE” is a vibrant ode to creativity and a tribute to the richness of contemporary African art.
Elroy Salam
In his series Brewed Reflections, The Poetry of Ataya, Elroy Salam captures intimate moments at the heart of the traditional Ataya tea ritual. Through his lens, this contemporary artist immortalises moments of personal and communal reflection. In his work Sugar High, he depicts an individual in a state of inebriation, evoking the metaphorical and physical effects of tea. The character’s disconnection from reality, juxtaposed with the serenity of the brewing ritual, highlights the duality between escape and enlightenment inherent in this cultural practice. Through this approach, Elroy Salam celebrates the richness of culture and identity through this deeply rooted social tradition.
Arthur Emmanuel Afriyie
Arthur Emmanuel Afriyie has captivated audiences with works that portray the realities of Ghanawith poignant sensitivity. He presents two daring series, juxtaposing technical innovation with narrative depth. His exclusive creations, with their striking visuals and meaningful details, are windows onto the Ghanaian soul. In his work Lit by Dreams, he uses recycled materials to illustrate a young boy illuminated by his dreams, defying the obstacles that stand in his way. This message resonates deeply with many individuals, bearing witness to the universal struggles and hope that unite us all.
Dela Quarshie
Dela Quarshie ‘s Elucidated Presence is a visually arresting and intriguing contribution to the “I SEE EVERYTHING YOU CAN BE” exhibition. He pays tribute to the diversity of women’s experiences, drawing inspiration from his personal relationships. Through his creations, he weaves an invisible thread that explores the complexity of femininity. His hybrid anthropomorphic figures, bathed in vibrant colours such as orange, reveal an emotional depth. Dela Quarshie plays with detail to illustrate the duality between fragility and strength that characterises her figures, creating an atmosphere that is both vibrant and deeply introspective.
Baahwa
With her Dear Woman project, photographer Baahwa is reinventing the concept of black female beauty. She deconstructs established norms, often unsuited to the African context, and celebrates authenticity and self-acceptance. Through an ingenious and immersive artistic combination of natural portraits and personal narratives, Baahwa forcefully expresses her point of view. In “I SEE EVERYTHING YOU CAN BE“, she reveals a committed practice that highlights the complexity of femininity through the prism of Ghanaian culture, offering a vibrant celebration of female identity.
Mary-Jo Adjetey
Mary-Jo Adjetey takes visitors on a poetic exploration of the cyclical nature of life and the human experience through her Interwoven series. Inspired by the 2024 remake of Dune, she questions the interdependence of individuals, highlighting the impact of their actions on the collective. The abstract faces and circular patterns in her work symbolise the fluidity and repetition of natural and human cycles. Rise & Set and Eclipse elegantly capture the idea of transition and harmony in a sophisticated visual language, inviting us all to contemplate the dynamics that govern our existence.
Together, these emerging artists invite us to reflect deeply on individual and collective narratives, highlighting the links between our stories and a wider collective experience. The “I SEE EVERYTHING YOU CAN BE” exhibition is thus presented as a vibratory space where the voices of Ghana harmonise to tell stories of transformation, resilience and identity through the prism of contemporary art. This artistic celebration promises a dynamic showcase of Ghanaian creative talent, offering audiences a unique and inspiring glimpse into the future of African art.