Gallery 1957 is set to illuminate the contemporary art scene with the launch of its latest exhibition, “Constellations – Part 1: Figures On Earth & Beyond” in London, United Kingdom. This exhibition, co-curated by Katherine Finerty, Nuna Adisenu-Doe, and Tracy Naa Koshie Thompson, marks a significant moment in the gallery’s history as it coincides with its 8-year anniversary. Opening its doors on March 14, 2024, the exhibition will run until May 25, offering a captivating exploration of the interconnectedness between artistic communities in Ghana and the UK.
“Constellations – Part 1: Figures On Earth & Beyond” serves as the inaugural installment of Gallery 1957’s sister-city exhibition project, inviting viewers to embark on a journey that transcends geographical and temporal boundaries. Featuring a diverse roster of emerging and established artists, the exhibition promises a rich tapestry of multimedia artworks that reflect on themes of identity, heritage, and ecological consciousness.
A stellar lineup of artists participating in the exhibition includes Adelaide Damoah, Alberta Whittle, Andrew Pierre Hart, Ayesha Feisal, Ayomide Tejuoso (Plantation), Denyse Gawu-Mensah, Henry Hussey, Lisa C Soto, Phoebe Boswell, Rashaad Newsome, Sarah Meyohas, Johannes Phokela, Larry Amponsah, Lois Selasie Arde-Acquah (Yaa Asantewaa Art Prize winner), Modupeola Fadugba, and Zak Ové. These artists, hailing from diverse backgrounds, converge to offer thought-provoking perspectives on the human experience and its relationship with the environment, both terrestrial and cosmic.
At the heart of “Constellations” lies a bold rejection of the conventional narrative of the Anthropocene Epoch. Instead, drawing inspiration from ecofeminist scholar Donna Haraway, the exhibition challenges viewers to reconsider their place within the broader ecosystem, transcending notions of human dominance over nature. Through mediums ranging from painting and sculpture to augmented reality, the artists invite audiences to reflect on the intricate interplay between power, memory, and agency in shaping our collective reality.
Central to the exhibition are specially commissioned works by artists such as Phoebe Boswell and Adelaide Damoah, whose creations serve as poignant reflections on colonial legacies and ancestral ties. Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to engage with Rashaad Newsome’s innovative augmented reality installation, “Self Inventions,” which prompts a nuanced exploration of collective memory and resilience.
Commenting on the exhibition, co-curators Katherine Finerty, Tracy Naa Thompson, and Nuna Adisenu-Doe express their aspirations for “Constellations” to serve as a catalyst for dialogue and transformation. They envision the artworks as vehicles for imagining new futures and fostering a deeper sense of interconnectedness within our shared ecosystem.
As Gallery 1957 commemorates its 8-year journey of championing Ghanaian and West-African artistic talent, founder Marwan Zakhem reflects on the gallery’s evolution and its expanding global reach. From its humble beginnings in 2016, Gallery 1957 has emerged as a trailblazer in promoting cultural exchange and nurturing emerging talents through initiatives like the Yaa Asantewaa Art Prize.
In addition to the exhibition, “Constellations – Part 1: Figures On Earth & Beyond” will feature a series of interactive collage workshops led by curator Katherine Finerty and artist Larry Amponsah. These workshops aim to foster collaborative creativity and community engagement, underscoring the exhibition’s commitment to inclusivity and dialogue. The sessions will take place throughout the duration of the exhibition, and exact timing and locations will be confirmed as soon as possible. Some workshops will be open to the public, while closed sessions will take place in partnership with educational institutions and charitable organizations, including Gallery 1957’s neighbor The Royal College of Art.
To mark the public opening night of the exhibition on March 14, artist Andrew Pierre Hart will perform a special sound set in keeping with his atmospheric soundscape for the exhibition. This soundscape responds to current and past issues related to Ghana and wider issues and discussions across the African continent, fusing experimental sounds and productions with more recognizable sound, music, and voices to explore these ideas.
The exhibition will culminate in a special performance by Adelaide Damoah on May 23, offering audiences a captivating audiovisual experience that underscores the urgency of embracing sustainable practices and restoring harmony between humanity and nature.
Looking ahead, “Constellations – Part 2” is slated to take place later this year in Accra, Ghana, further expanding on the themes explored in London. Through a re-examination of human-nature relationships and cultural narratives, the exhibition promises to ignite conversations that transcend borders and inspire collective action towards a regenerative future.
“Constellations – Part 1: Figures On Earth & Beyond” is not merely an exhibition but a testament to the transformative power of art in bridging divides and reimagining our shared reality. As visitors traverse the gallery space, they are invited to embark on a voyage of discovery, charting new constellations of meaning and possibility amidst the vast expanse of the artistic cosmos.
For more information and updates, please visit Gallery 1957’s website: gallery1957.com
