Home is More Than A Place:
A Review and Celebration of an exhibition that unites the multiplicity of Africa, one home at a time
Imagine a place where you feel safe and loved. A place where you can be yourself and express your true identity. A place where you belong. For many people, this place is home. But what does it mean to be at home?
For the past 8 weeks, the Dikan Gallery has been delighted to be a haven for artists, students, and the community, inviting them on a visual storytelling journey with its largest group exhibition yet, "Home is More than a Place." The show’s selection covers the work of 10 photographers in an exploration of the conventional notion of "Home” transcending its profound meaning beyond a mere geographical location. Curated by Paul Ninson, the director of the Dikan Center, and Sally Nuamah, the acclaimed author of "How Girls Achieve," this collaborative effort weaves cultural experiences into a cohesive narrative of Africa. The result is a collection of contemporary photography that very personally and intimately invites viewers into Africa's landscapes, traditions, and festivals. In doing so, the photographs become gentle guides, fostering exploration of themes like community, memory, and identity, allowing visitors to connect with their own personal experiences of Africa as home.
Individually, each photograph stands as a distinct narrative, both in style and subject matter. Some, like Rachel Seidu's, capture the essence of community and cooperation in everyday life, celebrating the joy and innocence of childhood homes. Others, like Jude Lartey's and Adebayo Abayomi's, delve into conceptual explorations of home and identity, emphasizing the powerful feeling of belonging and the shaping influence of home on one's sense of self. The simplicity of titling each photograph with its capture date adds a layer of authenticity, and images date as far back as 2016. The 28 images on display collectively offer a rich tapestry of the Pan-African spirit and providing a generous glimpse into the unity and shared practices present on the continent.
The 10 photographers on show represent a range of African countries, from Nigeria, to Egypt, to Senegal, Ghana, and Ethiopia. Click here to learn more about them, and engage with more of their work.
Since its opening in July, the exhibition has attracted a diverse audience, drawing patrons from the local community, all corners of Ghana, and beyond. The gallery has become a hub for guided tours sparking discussions on the profound meaning of home and the evolving concept of belonging in contemporary Africa. Schools, summer programs, cultural institutions, and art enthusiasts have all contributed to the lively cultural ecosystem surrounding the Dikan Gallery.
"Home is More than a Place" stands as a testament to the gallery's dedication to visual storytelling and its power to connect, educate, and inspire. The gallery expresses deep appreciation for all those who have immersed themselves in this exhibition. It eagerly anticipates unveiling more showcases that celebrate the diversity and richness of Africa. The commitment to providing a platform for African artists remains at the core of the Dikan Gallery's mission, and is inspired by a great communal effort that contributes to the expressive growth of Accra's cultural landscape.