Dreaming of Identity presents paintings created in the past year...“I want my artwork to create a connection with people, to be a symbol for everyone to relate to. No matter what you’re going through, or where you live, I want my art to help people think and reflect on their inner lives and how it relates to the wider world.” Kojo Marfo.
Kojo Marfo developed his interest in art and visual culture through the traditional Akan artefacts, sculptures and carvings that he was exposed to as a child. Akan art remains a vital influence for Kojo in his work today. The distinctive figures in his paintings are inspired by the forms of Akan fertility dolls as well as other African carvings.
“I want people to see my work as a reflection of my Akan culture and my struggles living in the West”.
For Mario, art is not simply a creative outlet, it acts as a vehicle to inspire the connection between different cultures and societies. He says that his work aims to highlight social issues, such as inequalities, religion, politics and spiritualism.