Kojo Marfo: Crucible of Hope
JD Malat Gallery
11 days left
Unearthing Truths Through Art: Kojo Marfo's Exhibition at
JD Malat Gallery Challenges Perspectives on Universal Experiences
London - On rare occasions, a contemporary artist emerges, fascinating audiences, and reshaping the very essence of our perception of the world. Kojo Marfo is precisely such a visionary. JD Malat Gallery proudly announces his latest exhibition ‘Crucible of Hope’, a remarkable milestone for Marfo, following his successful solo debut at the gallery two years ago. In parallel with Frieze Week, from 11th to 15th October, this enchanting exhibition invites viewers on an exploration into the intertwined realms of success, happiness, and the burdens that shape our very existence.
Marfo is an acclaimed contemporary artist celebrated for his unique style, which draws inspiration from traditional Akan artefacts, sculptures, and carvings that he encountered growing up. Moreover, his experiences in New York have seamlessly blended Afro-expressionism with the dynamic backdrop of the city, and where he returned in 2022 for his first international solo exhibition.
Through his thought-provoking artworks, Marfo skillfully explores the intricate nature of shared and personal human stories, with each piece carrying the weight of experiences we have lived and continue to live today. At the heart of ‘Crucible of Hope’ lies a powerful narrative that sheds light on the societal pressures placed upon us to succeed at any expense, often overshadowing the pursuit of true happiness. Marfo's art becomes a mirror to society, inviting introspection and igniting a dialogue on the complex interplay between success and fulfilment, and how we can reach for a sense of equilibrium.
Drawing inspiration from his own experiences and intuition, Marfo showcases an eclectic range of styles and mediums in his works, adding further depth to his artistic repertoire. From vibrant brushstrokes that exude energy to new endeavours in print techniques, his artistic prowess continually redefines the horizons of creative expression. Displayed across two floors at the gallery, the exhibition offers an immersive journey through Marfo's visual symphony, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the layers of meaning and emotions he skillfully weaves into each piece.
Art historian and Barbican curator, Wells Fray-Smith on 'Oracle'
Marfo’s titles suggests that in his painted worlds a complimentary inverse is true. That the everyday can hold expressions of the divine. That what we are witnessing are a series of mothers and their pride and joys, their miracles, their oracles.
Oracle, 2023, Acrylic on canvas, 190 x 167 cm
Barbican curator, Wells Fray-Smith on Kojo's Body of Work
Borne out of Marfo’s own experience of separateness, of disentangling from the maternal dyad that others think of him, they are informed by breaking free from the perceptions and baggage of others and they wrestle with the hurt and pain of what it means to be alive, to grow up, and to want to be truly seen, heard and understood for who we are, rather than what we think we should be, or what our parents or others want for us to be.
The Euphoria of Achievement, 2023, Acrylic on canvas, 170.5 x 142 cm
Barbican curator, Wells Fray-Smith on 'Living Essence'
It is impossible to pin these paintings down, to say they present a single position on motherhood or devotion or creativity, or even that they are about one thing. They have the potential to trap the viewer in their own projections of who these people are based on appearances. I am struck, for instance, that Marfo’s figures exist in an in-between state, where they cannot be said to be black or white, African or European, here or there based on appearances alone.
Living Essence, 2023, Acrylic on canvas, 191 x 170.5 cm
