Ibrahim Mahama Dresses London’s Barbican Centre with Traditional Batakari Fabrics from Tamale

Ibrahim Mahama, a Ghanaian artist, has showcased his artistic talents in the United Kingdom with an artwork originating from Ghana. At the Barbican Centre, he presented an exhibition featuring a magenta fabric installation made from batakari, traditional Ghanaian robes.

His piece, titled “Purple Hibiscus,” covers a vast area and is adorned with detailed hand embroidery, incorporating over 130 batakaris. These robes, historically worn by Ghanaian royalty and cherished across generations, were transformed into art through the hands of artisans in Tamale.

Together, they handcrafted the massive panels, reflecting the collective effort behind the artwork’s intricate design. The artwork, inspired by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel “Purple Hibiscus,” was assembled from parts exchanged and bartered with Northern Ghanaian communities.

Due to its size, Mahama utilized the Tamale football stadium to lay out the pieces, where local women meticulously stitched them together. Mahama’s creation has garnered international attention, with coverage from BBC and other media.

The Barbican Centre, located in London, is Europe’s largest performing arts center and hosts a variety of cultural events. Mahama’s exhibition there is a testament to his commitment to elevating Ghanaian heritage on a global stage.

Previously, in 2023, Mahama acquired old trains for his Red Clay Studios, continuing his practice of transforming discarded materials into valuable art pieces. His work not only honors Ghanaian history but also repurposes materials to challenge perceptions of value and art.

 

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