Efie Gallery presents group exhibition ‘Ever-Present’, on display until July 1st.

The exhibition ‘Ever-Present’ showcases the works of six modern African artists – J.K. Bruce-Vanderpuije, El Anatsui, Victor Ekpuk, Betty Acquah, Maggie Otieno, and Yaw Owusu – exploring the complexities of history, traditions, and values. The artworks challenge conventional thinking, exploring the connections between past and present and the influence of personal and collective histories on our understanding of the world.

El Anatsui, born in 1944, challenges conventional art-making by using materials in innovative ways, provoking thought on the transformative potential of everyday materials and the power of collective action.

Yaw Owusu, born in 1992, challenges our notions of consumption and trade by using currency as an artistic medium, highlighting the influence of storytelling and imagination on our understanding of economic and cultural dynamics.

J.K. Bruce-Vanderpuije’s (1899 – 1989) photographs capture the energy and cultural richness of Ghana during its transformative era, transporting us to a time where history, identity, and hope converge.

Maggie Otieno’s (b. 1974) sculptures made from railway sleepers explore the multifaceted nature of human connection, evoking introspection and reflection.

Betty Acquah (1965) explores the personal connections between community and tradition in her paintings, while Victor Ekpuk (1964) weaves Nigerian motifs to convey a message of interconnectedness. Both artists offer viewers a deeper understanding of identity, interconnectedness, and shared experiences.

Efie Gallery is a contemporary art gallery in Dubai specialising in the representation and advancement of artists of African origin, both from the African continent and its global diaspora.

Source: Efie Gallery.