KOJO MARFO - CRUCIBLE OF HOPE

Ghanaian painter Kojo MARFO is coming to Istanbul for the first time with his exhibition titled “CRUCIBLE OF HOPE", curated by Zeynep ÖZTÜRK. Hosted by DG Art Project, the exhibition is set to meet art lovers on February 13.

Born in Ghana in 1980 and having spent his childhood in different regions of the country, Kojo MARFO is preparing to meet Istanbul’s art audience with his exhibition “Umut Denemesi,” curated by Zeynep ÖZTÜRK. Drawing inspiration from the experiences he gained in the geography where he was born and raised, the Ghanaian artist expresses his excitement about holding his first exhibition in Turkey.

Having grown up in a society where a matriarchal order prevails—contrary to the patriarchal systems commonly seen in many parts of the world—Marfo wishes viewers to perceive reflections of Akan culture and the challenges he experienced in the West within his works. He states that encountering Western art and Picasso in a library during his school years in Ghana played a significant role in the development of his artistic vision. While building connections with people through his art, MARFO references traditional Akan art through various styles and techniques, addressing social issues such as inequality, religion, and politics.

In his works, he refuses to answer the questions: “Who is this figure? What are they? Where do they come from?”

Encountering one of Marfo’s portraits means witne