Edward Prah, Everything Everywhere
Centre for Cultural and African Studies, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
29 August - 05 September, 2024
What are you looking for?
Much like the stories of the boy in "The Alchemist,"
I awaken each day in search of self and purpose, journeying from place to place in pursuit of what I seek. I find myself ensnared in various situations, pointing fingers in different directions,
either seeking blame or searching for salvation in my journey.
The poem "What are you looking for?" seeks to personify the concept of the mirror, highlighting its reflective nature and the potential it holds, a significant choice of material in Prah’s practice. Mirrors evoke a profound sense of intimacy and connection, which is most deeply experienced in moments of solitude. The reflective quality of mirrors or polished surfaces invites immediate interaction from the viewer, often before they become fully aware of their surroundings.
-
The exhibition "Everything Everywhere" explores the potential of imagery and mundane objects, presenting them as functional forms that enhance and elevate the public’s consciousness. The works in this exhibition, some of which have been reimagined or transformed, are positioned to reflect and interact with the architectural structure, creating a relationship between the works and their surroundings. These forms serve a utilitarian purpose, acting as symmetrical counterparts to the space.
"Everything Everywhere" brings together a collection of works, including installations, sounds, videos, objects, and paintings, all influenced by the artist's interest in the crisis of imagery. The exhibition seeks to merge art and theatre, transforming the experience of space into a phenomenological encounter. Featuring ubiquitous visuals of reflective materials that distort appearances and fragment images into "broken images." The exhibition encourages the public to reflect on the nature and function of the image itself.
Is it their reflection as they perform in space, the video and light projections or the self- replicating projections cast by the reflective materials onto the architecture?
Installation Views
Photos by the artist
Film
Everything Everywhere, Kumasi, 2024
A short film from the Everything Everywhere exhibition at the Centre for Cultural and African Studies, KNUST, Kumasi, highlights the intimate relationship between the public and the objects within the space. By projecting onto reflective panels, the moving images transform, blending seamlessly with the architectural surroundings. This interaction between the projected visuals, audience reflections, and the environment creates a dynamic experience that enhances spatial awareness and invites thoughtful engagement.