L’Atelier 21 Presents ‘Moroccan Mosaic: A Journey into Hueism’ by Derrick Ofosu Boateng

L'Atelier 21, in Casablanca, presents 'Moroccan Mosaic: A Journey into Hueism,' Ghanaian photographer Derrick Ofosu Boateng's solo show, on display until July 19th.

L’Atelier 21, in Casablanca, presents ‘Moroccan Mosaic: A Journey into Hueism,’ Ghanaian photographer Derrick Ofosu Boateng’s solo show, on display until July 19th.

Derrick Ofosu Boateng, born in Accra, Ghana in 1998, is a renowned artist known for his vibrant use of colors and horizon lines to delineate various spaces, including dry land, sea, and expansive skies. His work is infused with a sense of joy and eye-catching allure, and his creative process is influenced by poetry and African proverbs. Boateng’s compositions often illustrate ancestral mottos or proverbs, emblematic of the Ashanti tribe. He continues to live and work in Accra.

‘Moroccan Mosaic: A Journey into Hueism’ showcases his vibrant, color-centric style known as “Hueism.” Boateng’s work, which uses iPhone photography and digital editing, captures the dynamic spirit of contemporary African artistry, celebrating African culture. His photographic work is influenced by Akan culture’s proverbs and ancestral mottos. Each color and accessory in his work represents an ancestral motto or proverb, paying homage to traditions and ancestors. Boateng’s work is a reconstruction and preservation of cultural identity, utilizing digital technology to enhance visibility. He coined the concept of Hueism, referring to the power of color, and uses bright color blocks to delineate different spaces. His work also incorporates surrealist pop iconography, with analogies between accessories and religious iconography. Boateng’s work offers a vision of an earthly Paradise, free of guilt and exuding discreet and playful sensuality.

The exhibition catalog discusses Boateng’s time in Essaouira, where he photographed Gnaoua musicians, descendants of former slaves, whose music honors their ancestors and spirits. It also explores the visual playfulness and surreal juxtapositions in Boateng’s photographs, such as watermelons resembling tarbouches, oranges in water-filled plastic bags resembling footballs, and crotales compared to apples.

L’Atelier 21 art gallery, established in 2008, is a leading venue for visual arts exhibitions in Morocco. It focuses on multidisciplinary art forms, showcasing works by Moroccan and diaspora artists, offering insights into reality through their unique blend of cultures. Atelier 21 was the first Moroccan art gallery to present its artists at international fairs in the early 2010s, demonstrating its commitment to extending the reach of Moroccan and select African artists.

Sources: L’Atelier 21 Exhibition Catalog, L’Atelier 21 Press Release

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