Exploring art, Ibrahim Mahama of the Northern People.
“It’s got more to do with the soul,” said Ibrahim.
In our conversations, I, as a fellow northerner, discover him to be a good listener and a nature enthusiast. He has a well-cultivated understanding of his mind and heart, a good sense of humour, and a passion for collecting. He unapologetically charts a path for the future of Northern Ghana.
From a large Dagomba family background, Ibrahim shared personal experiences in early childhood, including memories of being disciplined by his dad, going to boarding school, and enjoying eating and watching movies at home even now when he visits.
When it comes to Northern culture, Ibrahim and I agreed on the intriguing traits of an average northern character: being hot-headed and unafraid to speak our minds while owning our heritage and habitations.
He shared a wide array of experiences, including trips to states, cities, and countries featuring diverse installations. He started the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art (SCCA) in Tamale, Ghana, where artists can experiment and work together, established the Red Clay Studio, and uncovered the importance of Nkurumah volnii. He is cool, sometimes avoiding large gatherings.
One noteworthy moment he also shared involved his efforts in bringing in the trains and flying the drones to capture their homecoming moments in the region and a verbal confrontation with a chief elder or vigilante of sorts, yet he didn’t get intimidated but rode those trains in with pride, teaching us the value of perseverance.
I initiated contact with him by writing about my late mother’s antique furniture and appliances, recognising the cultural significance of preserving these items through art. Despite initial rejection, I persisted and was rewarded with a response.
My correspondence with him led to an impactful exchange, benefiting children on field trips to his art institutions and enriching their understanding of art, history, culture, and self-discovery.
The institute and studio have hosted about 50,000 kids since 2020, he stated. Mahama has also been involved in a number of initiatives to support economic development.
Embraced and fuelled by the local community, his work centers around the essence of the region, revolving around art, culture, and sustainability in northern Ghana. For example, he has worked with local communities to develop sustainable industrial and cultivating practices, e.g., producing pots and smocks made by the people and promoting tourism in the region.
His art installations have drawn attention to the region and its people, and his SCCA has provided a space for artists and cultural producers to thrive. His work is inspirational and helps to shape the future of the region.
Thanks for Reading
Awonlieh