Renowned Ghanaian sculptor, textile, and installation artist Ibrahim Mahama has been awarded the prestigious inaugural Sam Gilliam Award.
This award was established by the Dia Art Foundation and the Sam Gilliam Foundation to honor the enduring legacy of the late artist Sam Gilliam.
Mahama will receive a $75,000 prize along with a spotlight in Dia’s public program scheduled for autumn this year. The award ceremony will now become an annual tradition, running until 2033.
Expressing his gratitude, Mahama stated, “Gilliam’s influential work, introduced to me during my studies by mentor Kąrî’kạchä Seid’ou, has remained a profound source of inspiration. Community sharing of diverse talents, even amidst challenges, is pivotal to expanding freedom for all.”
A jury comprising five distinguished individuals, including Annie Gawlak, Gilliam’s widow and president of his foundation, selected Mahama for the award. Mahama’s selection was based on the ambitious and community-centric nature of his projects, often involving collaborations with numerous artisans in Ghana.
Mahama’s artistic repertoire, characterized by salvaged materials, encompasses a wide spectrum from vibrant fabric-based wall pieces to expansive installations addressing themes of colonialism and industry. His public projects, including wrapping buildings’ façades with textiles crafted alongside Ghanaian craftspeople, highlight his commitment to communal engagement.
Having participated in major international exhibitions such as Desert X AlUla, the Sharjah Biennial, Bienal de São Paulo, the Venice Architecture Biennale, and the Ghanaian pavilion at the Venice Biennale, Mahama’s artistry has garnered global recognition.
Represented by White Cube, his recent solo exhibition at the gallery’s Hong Kong space in 2022 showcased his multifaceted talent and profound artistic vision.
