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Pride & Joy. Living Essence. Divine Symphony. Oracle. These are some of the titles in Kojo Marfo’s latest paintings. Made between 2021 and 2023, they variously present scenes of families, of mothers with children, or pairings of older figures with their kin. Characteristically brightly coloured, with figures decorated in floral headdresses and layers upon layers of beads, the paintings feel radically joyful and vibrant, even celebratory. Mothers hold their children in tender embraces; each body is physically connected through touch. These are pictures of closeness, of intimacy; manifestations of a mother’s love and bond to her child.
Through his thought-provoking artworks, Marfo skilfully 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.
