Ghanaian artist Kojo Marfo poses with one of the pieces from his sold-out solo exhibition, "Dreaming of Identity," which opened this summer at JD Malat Gallery, London.
Ghanaian artist Kojo Marfo poses with one of the pieces from his sold-out solo exhibition, "Dreaming of Identity," which opened this summer at JD Malat Gallery, London.
Courtesy JD Malat Gallery
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.<br />
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.
Courtesy Kojo Marfo/JD Malat Gallery
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.
Courtesy Kojo Marfo/JD Malat Gallery
"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.
Courtesy Kojo Marfo/JD Malat Gallery
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.
Courtesy Kojo Marfo/JD Malat Gallery
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.
Courtesy Kojo Marfo/JD Malat Gallery
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.
Courtesy Kojo Marfo/JD Malat Gallery
"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."
Courtesy Kojo Marfo/JD Malat Gallery
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."
Courtesy Kojo Marfo/JD Malat Gallery
One of the topics Marfo returns to throughout his work is the beauty of <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmy.clevelandclinic.org%2Fhealth%2Fdiseases%2F12419-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 vitiligo, a medical condition that causes patches of the skin to lose color.
Courtesy Kojo Marfo/JD Malat Gallery
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.
Courtesy Kojo Marfo/JD Malat Gallery