Kojo Marfo is a Ghanaian artist based in London. He is inspired by his childhood memory and traditional Akan arts, that is originated from the Akan people in West Africa.
Kojo Marfo, The Majestic Empress, 2020. Courtesy of Artist and JD Malat Gallery. https://jdmalat.com/
Marfo’s paintings depict vibrant and colorful figures that are influenced by Arkan arts. They symbolize different people and cultures encountered by the artist in Akan traditions and abroad.
Marfo told news.artnet.com, “Rather than painting likenesses of real people, my paintings are focused on figures from my dreams and childhood memories so that I can create characters removed from reality.” Marfo portrays reality in an unreal form to emphasize the universal nature of humans, like desires, needs, and fears.
Kojo Marfo, Object Of Worship, 2019. Courtesy of Artist and JD Malat Gallery. https://jdmalat.com/
Marfo’s paintings are remarkable because its authentic characters and capability of connecting people from different cultures and societies. His artworks will be exhibited under the title “Dreaming of Identity” at JD Malat Gallery, London, UK, from Jun 10-Jul 17, 2021.
Facts about Kojo Marfo:
He was born in 1980.
After traveling to New York in the 1990s, Marfo moved to London in 1999.
He wants people to see his work as a reflection of his Akan culture and his struggles living in the UK and US. He also wants his artwork to create a connection with people, to be a symbol for everyone to relate to.
Marfo uses traditional Akan art figures to highlight social issues, such as inequalities, religion, politics, and spiritualism.
Studio visit with Kojo Marfo | JD Malat Gallery
