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Kojo Marfo’s Sell-Out Show Celebrates Multiculturalism in Ghana

Stephanie Cherry06 mins

Kojo Marfo’s Artistic Journey: Exploring Identity and Culture

Kojo Marfo, a talented Ghanaian artist, has made waves in the contemporary art scene. His exhibition, “Dreaming of Identity,” showcased at JD Malat Gallery in London, beautifully delves into themes of multiculturalism, family dynamics, and personal identity.

Thematic Exploration

Marfo’s artwork eloquently addresses the complexities within a multicultural society, often reflecting on familial relationships. For instance, his piece “Majestic Disorder” portrays a family brought together by tragedy yet drifting apart as life resumes its normalcy. Moreover, his painting “Choir” captures the essence of a family expressing their devotion to religion through music, drawing inspiration from his upbringing in Ghana.

Symbolism and Significance

In the artwork “Noble,” Marfo examines the financial and symbolic importance of cattle in various societies, referencing how ownership of cows can elevate social status. This profound inquiry into cultural values adds depth to his artistic narrative.

Emphasis on Family Values

Having been raised by resilient women in Ghana, Marfo is particularly interested in challenging stigmas surrounding single parenting. His piece “Pillar of Hope” pays tribute to parents who strive to instill kindness and respect in their children amidst adversity.

Inspirations from Urban Life

With experiences living in diverse locations such as Ghana, New York, and various UK cities, Marfo’s “Stranger” series encapsulates the essence of casual encounters with Londoners. Each portrait within this series invites viewers to engage with themes of gender ambiguity and identity, sparking conversation and reflection.

Visually Inclusive Art

In aiming for inclusivity, Marfo maintains a level of anonymity in the titles of his portraits, allowing a wider audience to connect with the works, such as “Stranger #4.” Furthermore, through his exploration of vitiligo—an intriguing medical condition—he highlights the beauty in diversity and imperfection.

Cultural Fusion

The “Stranger” series reflects the rich cultural tapestry of London, blending elements of West African Akan art with Western influences. This combination serves to illustrate the vibrant multicultural landscape that defines urban life today.

Marfo's work explores the complexities of multicultural society and familial relationships. "Majestic Disorder" is about a family brought together by tragedy which grows apart as normal life resumes.
Marfo’s work explores the complexities of multicultural society and familial relationships. “Majestic Disorder” is about a family brought together by tragedy which grows apart as normal life resumes.
Growing up in Ghana, Marfo's work draws upon local customs and traditions. "Choir" is about a family who channel their love for religion through music.
Growing up in Ghana, Marfo’s work draws upon local customs and traditions. “Choir” is about a family who channel their love for religion through music.
"Noble" is a study of the financial and symbolic importance of cows in many African and Asian societies. The title references the higher social status linked to cattle ownership.
“Noble” is a study of the financial and symbolic importance of cows in many African and Asian societies. The title references the higher social status linked to cattle ownership.
Having been raised by "strong women" in the Ghanaian town where he grew up, Marfo says he has been keen to explore stigmas around single parenting and family values. "Pillar of Hope" pays tribute to parents who raise their children to be "good, kind and respectful," despite challenging circumstances.
Having been raised by “strong women” in the Ghanaian town where he grew up, Marfo says he has been keen to explore stigmas around single parenting and family values. “Pillar of Hope” pays tribute to parents who raise their children to be “good, kind and respectful,” despite challenging circumstances.
Marfo lived in Ghana, New York and several UK cities before settling in London. The nine-part "Stranger" series is inspired by casual encounters with Londoners.
Marfo lived in Ghana, New York and several UK cities before settling in London. The nine-part “Stranger” series is inspired by casual encounters with Londoners.
One of the key themes of the "Stranger" series is gender ambiguity and identity.
One of the key themes of the “Stranger” series is gender ambiguity and identity.
"I'm trying to create something that could spark conversation," Marfo says. Pictured: "Stranger #3."
“I’m trying to create something that could spark conversation,” Marfo says. Pictured: “Stranger #3.”
He says he kept the titles of the portraits generic to make the paintings feel more "inclusive and accessible," such as this "Stranger #4."
He says he kept the titles of the portraits generic to make the paintings feel more “inclusive and accessible,” such as this “Stranger #4.”
One of the topics Marfo returns to throughout his work is the beauty of <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12419-vitiligo" target="_blank" target="_blank">vitiligo</a>, a medical condition that causes patches of the skin to lose color.
One of the topics Marfo returns to throughout his work is the beauty of <a href=”https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12419-vitiligo” target=”_blank” target=”_blank”>vitiligo</a>, a medical condition that causes patches of the skin to lose color.
The "Stranger" portraits include various references to both West African Akan and Western art, in an effort to reflect the "cultural melting pot" of London.
The “Stranger” portraits include various references to both West African Akan and Western art, in an effort to reflect the “cultural melting pot” of London.


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