Ibrahim Mahama Transforms Barbican with Large Purple Cloth Installation
Ghanian artist Ibrahim Mahama has transformed the Barbican centre in London with his large-scale public art piece, “Purple Hibiscus,” made of 2,000 square meters of woven cloth. The work, sewn together by more than 1,000 weavers in Ghana, covers the brutalist building’s lakeside façade in vibrant pink and purple hues. The installation, which incorporates traditional Ghanaian robes called batakaris, reflects Mahama’s deep interest in textiles and historical memory.
Mahama’s project at the Barbican is part of the exhibition “Unravel: The Power of Politics & Textiles in Art,” running until 26 May. Despite controversy surrounding the cancellation of a talk on Palestine and the Holocaust, Mahama believes in engaging with difficult political issues through art. Recognized for his work, he recently received the inaugural Sam Gilliam Award and is set to present a new body of work at the Fruitmarket gallery in Edinburgh later this year.
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Naz Baydar graduated from Middle East Technical University with a degree in Product Design. She furthered her education by completing a master’s degree in Art Direction at Elisava in Barcelona. Her work blends art direction, multimedia narratives, and design to craft innovative and transformative experiences. Naz is passionate about creating visual stories that evoke strong emotions and deliver meaningful impact. In addition to her work, she has a deep interest in philosophy and literature, which continuously inspire and enrich her creative process.