The exhibition "I SEE EVERYTHING YOU CAN BE" represents a point of convergence for five young artists,
showcasing not only their perceptions but also their deepest desires.
These five Ghanaian artists, recipients of the API & Gallery Soview Grant funded by AfricaPrimeInitiative,
stood out from a multitude of other artists who applied for this grant.
This exhibition highlights diverse artistic practices, from photography, acrylic on canvas, to mixed media
techniques. Each artist brings a distinct perspective, but ultimately, they unite around common themes:
the exploration of identity, the quest for self, and reflections on the role of tradition in a rapidly changing
world.
Elroy Salam, with his series Brewed Reflections,The Poetry of Ataya, captures intimate moments at the
heart of the traditional Ataya tea ritual. Salam uses photography to encapsulate instances of personal and
communal reflection. His piece, Sugar High, features a figure in a state of inebriation, symbolizing both the
physical and metaphorical effects of the tea. The figure's disconnection from reality, juxtaposed with the
serene tea-brewing ritual, underscores the duality of escapism and enlightenment within this cultural
practice, all while celebrating culture and identity through this social tradition.
Baahwa, in her photographic project Dear Woman, deconstructs linear beauty standards while
celebrating the diversity of Black women. Combining natural portraits with intimate storytelling, Baahwa
invites a rethinking of beauty through authenticity and self-acceptance. Her work highlights the
multifaceted nature of femininity through the lens of Ghanaian culture.
Dela Quarshie, with Elucidated Presence, pays homage to the complexities of the feminine experience.
Drawing from his personal relationships with the women in his life, Quarshie explores femininity through
anthropomorphic hybrid figures. He plays with the color orange to express the duality between the
fragility and strength inherent in his characters, creating a vibrant yet introspective atmosphere.
Arthur Emmanuel Afriyie, on the other hand, presents two series of works that illustrate his unique artistic
approach. In Lit by Dreams, he uses recycled materials to depict a young boy illuminated by his
ambitions, despite the obstacles. His second piece, Ethereal Skies, created with a bleaching technique on
fabric, delves into a poetic abstraction of Ghanaian realities. Arthur combines technical innovation with
narrative depth to offer works that are both visually striking and conceptually rich.
Mary-Jo Adjetey explores the cyclical nature of life and human experience through her series
Interwoven. Inspired by the 2024 remake of Dune, she questions the interconnectedness of individual
actions and their impact on the collective. Her works, featuring abstract faces and circular motifs,
symbolize the fluidity and repetition of natural and human cycles. Rise & Set and Eclipse capture this idea
of transition and harmony through a sophisticated visual language.
Together, these artists invite us to reflect on individual and collective narratives, and the bonds that link
our personal stories to the larger collective experience. The exhibition "I SEE EVERYTHING YOU CAN BE"
becomes a space where emerging voices from Ghana unite to tell stories of transformation, resilience,
infinite potential, and ambition.
