Born in Ghana in 1980 and spending his childhood years in various regions of Ghana, Kojo Marfo is preparing to meet art lovers in Istanbul with his exhibition Crucible of Hope, curated by Zeynep Öztürk. Drawing inspiration from his experiences in the geography where he was born and raised, the Ghanaian artist is excited to exhibit in Turkey for the first time.
In Kojo Marfo's artworks, sincerity, love, and universality are prominent elements, reflecting his artistic journey from Africa to London and various other places. The Ghanaian artist expresses, "I am not interested in painting something beautiful to hang in your home. I want my art to establish a connection with people, to be a symbol that everyone can relate to. Regardless of where you live or what you experience, I want my art to help people reflect on and express their inner worlds."
Furthermore, Marfo strives to depict the social and geographical fabric of Africa through figurative means in his works. We often encounter female figures in his pieces, influenced by the matriarchal order that holds significant importance in the geography where he was born and raised. In compositions that blend intimacy with a sense of dependency, we see mothers tightly embracing their children, family members connected through physical touch, evoking feelings of love and attachment. His paintings, adorned with vibrant colors, bold shapes, and figures wearing flowered headdresses and layered beaded necklaces, exude a cheerful and lively atmosphere of celebration.
