Ibrahim Mahama: Half of a Yellow Sun at White Cube

Made almost 10 years ago and revisited recently these works are rooted in colonial and post-colonial African history, identity, and community relationships. ‘Dutch wax’ cloth was made for the European market but after not being able to compete those fabrics had found another audience. The process of getting these exact pieces was similar to the one Ibrahim used for his famous burlap sacks: persuading members of community to exchange old and used pieces—so the history they contain would be preserved—in the new ones. Apart from holding numerous layers of stories behind the prints and the history of each type of fabric these patterns and colours are gorgeous feast to the eyes.

Exhibition period: 8 April—14 May
Gallery address: 50 Connaught Road Central