CHAPTER.5/ CREATIVITY, CURATED
Joseph Awuah-Darko
My first reaction to the Forbes recognition (FORBES Africa, 30 under 30) was that of complete shock.
Imposter syndrome had more of a grip on me then, I suppose - but that was years ago. I see my value now.
CHap.5/
CREATVITY, CURATED
Note: only the voiceover is ai generated in this feature.
IN MY YEARS AS A CURATOR,
I REMEMBER the group exhibition with Peres Projects in Berlin, FONDLY AND OFTEN.
I say the Peres Projects, Berlin (October 2023) because it not only broke barriers as the first African contemporary group show in the gallery’s 20 year history, but also because it predominantly featured artists whom I had a personal connection to, while being remarkably talented in their own right. It was such a well received exhibition and one, in which I feature my own kente tapestries, exhibited for the first time. It was an international success.
LET US VISIT THE NEXUS OF BEGINNINGS,
Joseph Awuah-Darko is a name synonymous with Afrofuturism, creativity, and the bold curation of artistic symbolism across Europe & Africa.
With the underpainting of his upbringing in both London & Accra, Joseph has chosen to position himself alongside works of art with fast-forward conceptualism. From creating his own paintings or tapestries while in residency at esteemed institutions in Antwerp or curating group shows of modern visionaries in Berlin, Awuah-Darko speaks from the depths of his creativity, time and time again.
JOSEPH ON THE ‘DEAR ARTIST’ NOTES, FROM IDEA TO THE UPCOMING PUBLISHING WITH THAMES & HUDSON
…something intimate and originally written for myself has become this major phenomenon in less than a year.”
Its enthralling to learn how something intimate and originally written for myself has become this major phenomenon in less than a year since I started posting them. I began writing dear artist notes three years ago as little aphorisms to reassure myself and it was one of my many coping mechanisms around depression. And so when i put them on Instagram with reposts by Viola Davis, Ava Duverney, SZA and FKA Twigs, I was a bit surprised. Pleasantly so. And the beauty of the book “Dear Artists,” coming out next year with Thames and Hudson, is that it was a pull factor from fans of the notes wanting something they could touch and live with, that made it a reality.
Awuah-Darko describing his curated show at Peres Projects, Berlin (October 2023)
Best advice JOSEPH haS ever received FROM A MENTOR was to ‘choose my hard’ in life.”
‘Choose My Hard’ - In other words, decide on whether to accommodate the pain of discipline or the pain of regret as I navigate my life. That was deeply important to me at that time in my career and continues to remain so.
February 21, A.M., 2024
PEER PERSPECTIVES
(Above) various work of arts by Joseph Awuah-Darko
Joseph Awuah-Darko ON WHAT SINGLE WORK/ CONCEPT, HE would want the world to know HIM by, IF HE HAD TO CHOOSE.
Conceptually, I feel that the abstract oil paintings that got me accepted into the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation are super important - my dream.
I began creating them during a residency in Antwerp and they involve a process that first begins with a color-spectrum visual diary in Microsoft Excel where I document his relationship with depression on an hourly basis, before converting them into painting.
Each painting reflects a portrait of my day and poignant exploration of the dynamic between interior introspection and outward manifestation: an interior life made exterior.
I also feel the least pretentious when creating them. Its honest painting and very intuitive.
↙︎ LET’S CONTINUE TO EXPAND THE LANDSCAPE
LANDSCAPE: HOW HAVING ROOTS IN LONDON & ACCRA DEVELOPED JOSEPH’S ARTISTIC PERSPECTIVE
I think living an almost nomadic existence beyond having lived in my birthplace of London, with a base in Accra has definitely taught some important things. I have learnt that there isn’t one “right” way to live life and one should not prescribe to uninformed points of view.
Its also inculcated within me and earnest curiosity for the world around me and that has definitely shown itself within the act of art-making for me.
It has also deeply and meaningfully broadened the way I look at a show when I am curating and when I present my perspective as a ‘content creator’. I feel so blessed to have read so many chapters of the world that we refer to as countries because it remarkably enriches your understanding of the world.
PEER THAT HAS HELP & INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR JOURNEY:
It’s a complicated and almost reductive question because I have a number of beautiful friendships in my life which have taken me this far. I guess I would have to say my dear friend and Mozambican artist, Cassi Namoda. She’s been terribly encouraging and gracious throughout my artistic journey, even in distance.
Cassi was so emotionally supportive when I had my first residency at the Nirox Foundation in 2023 and was the reason I chose to apply to the Albers Foundation. She also encompasses that sense of a truly multicultural existence and is very intentional about where and how she spends her time.
Joseph Awuah-Darko
PEER PERSPECTIVES
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