By John Owoo
(In Accra – Ghana)
A unique exhibition that tackles the intricate interplay of culture, tradition, spirituality and art by Jojo Abdallah is underway at the National Museum in Accra.
Curated by Robin Riskin and presented by Compound House Gallery, Abdallah’s pieces often explore themes of psychological distress and healing while offering a raw and authentic glimpse into his personal experiences, which encompass paintings and mixed media.
Titled “Jojo Abdallah: Psy-Tech” – the exhibition equally features a remarkable video installation – where Abdallah admits to conversing with angels, which points to a poignant reflection of his supposed interaction with the supernatural.
Abdallah effectively blends popular culture with spiritual and psychological explorations, which provide a personal glimpse into his mind. Undeniably, his pieces often explore themes of psychological distress and healing while offering a raw and authentic peek into his personal experiences.
His paintings of psychiatric hospitals, traditional ceremonies, natural sciences and syncretic spiritualities render actual people, places and practices through fictional and frictional combinations in his works as he points to diverse narratives.
Indeed, his collection of “fantasy history paintings” tell stories of nation building, preservation of traditions, growth, beliefs, hope, revultion and healing. “Jojo Abdallah: Psy- Tech” has garnered attention not only for its artistic merit but also for its important commentary on mental health, a topic that is often stigmatized. Abdallah is a quantum traveller whose work portals to alternate universes.
Growing up in Accra and other realms, he studied arts and crafts at Ghana Secondary Technical School in Takoradi. However, he believes he studied Fine Art at the College of Art, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Kumasi).
Riskin is a “curating-artist” who “makes more art out of art”. Her chimeric practice sits in the space between fact and fantasy, meaning and medium. Her work in abstract text, sound and social process is guided by artists’ voices and visions and reads singular subjects through their communities.
Compound House is an artist-run gallery dedicated to supporting and promoting the contemporary practices and projects of Ghanaian artists. Led by artists and produced by artists, it nurtures experimental exhibition-making through politically sensitive forms and content. The nomadic, networked project house creates infrastructure and programming for testing new strategies and off-grid interventions.
The exhibition ends on Sunday July 28, 2024.
Hello, my name is Jacqueline Fosu.
Last week, I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Jojo Abdullah, and that experience revealed a side of the creative world that many people do not often see.
Behind the beautiful paintings, the talent, and the inspiring stories shared about him in this article, there is a man who is currently facing difficult circumstances. Mr. Jojo is a gifted Ghanaian artist who has spent over 25 years at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, where he used to manage and work from what was once the Art Centre. Today, that space is no longer functioning as an Art Centre but has become a maintenance unit where he stays.
Despite everything, Mr. Jojo continues to create. He is still producing beautiful artworks, but the opportunities to showcase and sell his work have greatly reduced. The people who once helped take his pieces to exhibitions and connect him with buyers are no longer available, leaving him with very limited ways to earn from his talent.
Meeting him was a reminder that behind every artwork is an artist with a story, needs, and struggles that may not always be visible. Mr. Jojo has dedicated years of his life to creating and sharing his gift with others, and today, he could truly use support.
I believe his talent deserves a platform, and he deserves the opportunity to live with dignity while continuing the work he loves.
If there is anyone willing to support Mr. Jojo in any way, whether through helping with his immediate needs, promoting his artwork, or creating opportunities for him to exhibit and sell his pieces. I would deeply appreciate your support.
Please feel free to reach out to me, and we can explore the best way to support him.
Thank you for taking the time to read his story and for considering how we can help.
Contact: +233556902181