DRIVER BANZA | IBRAHIM MAHAMA

Ibrahim Mahama (Tamale, 1987) is a Ghanaian artist whose practice, characterized by a strong political and social nature, is defined by the restoration and use of reclaimed materials. The artist theorizes that objects, as well as anthropologically sourced structures, are capable of absorbing and preserving the history, memories, failures, and hopes of those who have possessed (or built) them. Through art, Mahama leverages this intrinsic memory to support social causes, with the aim of redeeming the value and dignity of the Ghanaian people.
The combination of different elements—techniques or materials—creates space for interesting dialogues of opposition that enrich the meaning of the artworks created by the artist. These elements can be archival texts, images, and photographs that together create intriguing collages, or physical objects such as old blackboards, sewing machines, furniture, or fabrics.

A recurring theme in Mahama’s work is that of resurrection, of ‘bringing back to life’ an object, concept, or idea, but giving it a new form. This is evident in Driver Banza (2013 – 2022), a piece composed by a frame of an old light wooden window resting on a low, long bench, also made of wood. From the window shutters, which the artist can choose to keep open or closed, one can admire a patchwork of wax-printed fabrics depicting typical African patterns in bright colors.
Driver Banza carries a strong metaphorical message: the window is a symbol of openness, of a view onto a certain landscape or, conceptually speaking, a certain situation. By closing the shutters, with a gesture as simple as it is terrible, the beautiful African fabrics would be easily hidden, concealed from the public, no longer visible or worthy of attention…

Mahama’s work does not end with the creation of artworks for their own sake, no matter how complex or rich in meaning they may be. The cause pursued by the artist is the construction of real environments, platforms, and structures capable of contributing to the economic, social, and cultural development of his country. By fostering such stimuli for new generations, the possibility of increasing the self-determination and self-sufficiency of a people becomes even more realistic.

Ibrahim Mahama
Driver Banza, 2013 – 2022
Wooden window frame, wax print cloth and bench, 202 x 235 x 58 cm (79 1/2 x 92 1/2 x 22 13/16 in)
© the artist. Photo © White Cube (Theo Christelis)

05/06/24