A new gallery that specialises in the promotion of African artists from within the continent and the diaspora, with a focus on West African art has been officially opened in Dubai.
Efiɛ Gallery, a contemporary art gallery represents both established and emerging African artists and supports the sharing of their works in the Middle East, creating a unique platform for collaboration and exchange between the two regions.
The Gallery was launched during the All Africa Festival which took place in Burj Park, Downtown, Dubai.
Efiɛ Gallery is currently located in a dedicated arts pavilion at the Burj Plaza that has been specially designed by Ghanaian architect, Alice Asafu-Adjaye for its launch.
The Gallery, will, however, be moved subsequently to its permanent location in Dubai, which will be announced soon.
For its debut exhibition, Efiɛ Gallery showcased three (3) new art pieces of the renowned and award-winning Ghanaian artist, El Anatsui, who is known for his large-scale sculptures composed of thousands of folded and crumpled pieces of metal.
El Anatsui shared the space with impressive works by 20 contemporary artists from Africa and its diaspora.
Afia Owusu-Afriyie, one of the gallery’s curators, explained why Efiɛ Gallery was opened in Dubai. She said Dubai was a good choice, not only because of its location as a global hub but also because there was a gap in the market that needed to be filled.
Efiɛ Gallery was founded by Valentina Mintah, with her sons, Kobi Mintah, a photographer and filmmaker whose works are also in the current exhibition, and Kwame Nsiah Adomako Mintah, a young art collector and university student. Both are also involved as curators of the gallery.
Kwame Mintah explained that the gallery’s goals are to broaden notions around what constitutes African art and also to ensure its longevity.
Ms. Valentina Mintah said Efiɛ Gallery is challenging narratives around African art and art history to audiences. “Until recently, African art was almost seen as a charity. We want to show art not just as a charitable gesture. Yes, that might exist as arts and crafts, but we want to change the stereotype,” she said.
The intention is to start in Dubai, with the gallery planning to open its permanent physical space at the start of 2022, before eventually expanding to London and Accra.