Solo exhibition celebrates Ghanaian culture

A solo exhibition by Ghanaian-American artist Rita Mawuena Benissan, called One Must Be Seated, will show at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) until Sunday October 5 next year.

The opening event will take place on Wednesday Wednesday, November 13, from 6pm to 8pm.

Through tapestry, sculpture, photography and video, Benissan’s work highlights and celebrates the rich traditions of Ghanaian culture, with a focus on Asante customs.

One of these customs are the royal umbrella, which has been used since at least the 17th century; it is said to transform the individual underneath it, attributing significant status.

Different sizes, colours, and unique gold totems that crown the umbrella canopy are seen as they move with the court in lively procession.

Under the umbrella, the chief and his thoughts are hidden from the heavens above, prohibiting even God from accessing them.

Benissan reimagines this cultural object through the use of the archive.

Her work shows portraits of past chiefs embedded in the fabric of the umbrella, which is traditionally made with woven Kente cloth and reinterpreted in rich velvet by the artist.

The event is free and open to the public