Getting To Know Kojo Marfo
Words by Ophelia Sanderson. Photography by Erica Bergsmeds
Entitled with the allusive and meditative ‘Dreaming of Identity’, London-based artist Kojo Marfo presents his first solo exhibition in the UK at the illustrious JD Malat Gallery. A year after gallery founder Jean-David Malat first came upon his work, his pieces stood upon the gallery walls in a musingly arranged assortment which, through a dream-like mist of vibrant and culturally reflective pieces, depict all the kaleidoscopic facets of humanity. An art driven by profound interest into human beings and the stories they stem from, the paintings are not portraits of distinct individuals but rather, in his own words, representatives of an all-inclusive and universal humanity.
Kojo Marfo
Photographed by Erica Bergsmeds
Of Ghanaian origin, embedded in the Akan ethnic culture and then displaced to the UK when still a child, the 15 paintings portray a series of figurative abstractions combining multiculturalism to a strong African heritage. From the vivid colours he makes use of to the cultural decorations and features his characters physiognomies bring to life on the canvas, the 9 ‘strangers’ and 6 ‘group portraits’ offer distinctive features of Africanism such as the Earlobe stretchings, floral embroidery and matrilineal presence which, at first glance, may be foolishly deceiving. As you see in the progression of ‘strangers’ where each portrait is placed within an adjacent series progression, the masked eyes which return the viewers gaze are placed upon all colour of flesh from black, brown, white to multicoloured. The tutored eye recognizes the vast span of influences incorporated within the work, from the stretched ear arising from the oldest known human mummy in 3300BC to the linen ruffs prevalent within Western Tudors and Baroque historical portraits which convene upon their necks. In fact, the gaze of the inquisitive spectator is returned by the one of a multi-semantic being, offering an unflagging supply of thought upon themes of gender, cultural identity, and what it is that makes us human besides our history and geography. In Kojo’s art the superficial signifiers of African family groups paradoxically deconstruct constructed barriers into one of mutually inclusive humanity, providing a filtered viewing of the abstract bliss of Marfo’s unique and culturally combined world which just happens to be ours.
Adopting a new canvas, the expo of Kojo’s unique works coincide with the artist’ latest design collaboration, to our very own, Aspinal of London. Bringing together two creative entities moulding art together with fashion, Aspinal’s new limited-edition silk scarves and pocket squares collection, featured on Aspinal’s creative director Mariya Dykalo in below images, would feature Marfo’s innovative works of abstract compositions. The British heritage of elegance and trademark craftsmanship would meet the modern, bold and quirky creatures of Marfo’s world, allowing an innovative symbiosis,which breathes Aspinal’s values of constant creative exploration.
With such thoughts in mind and curiosity in hand, Blowout Magazine asks our renowned Kojo Marfo a little about himself, from the nature of his work and the collaboration, to what he hopes for the future and regrets from the past, to, well, everything else.
Kojo Marfo
Photographed by Erica Bergsmeds
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you are you up to right now.
My name is Kojo Marfo, I’m a visual artist based in London. At the moment I’m excited to have my first solo show at JD Malat Gallery in Mayfair which is on until July 17th. It’s been a great chance for me to meet new people and collectors and to hear positive feedback and different takes on my work. It makes all the hours locked away in my studio painting feel worthwhile – it’s very rewarding.
What made you start painting?
I grew up surrounded by people sculpting and carving. Their ability to channel the world around into something concrete made me want to do the same but painting was the medium that came most easily to me. It allowed me to recreate images in my own way and highlight issues that bother me.
Tell us about the JD Malat Gallery exhibition, how did that come about?
While this is my first solo exhibition with JD Malat my connection with the gallery dates back to last year when they asked me to participate in a group show called Isolation Mastered. From there, our relationship evolved and “Dreaming of Identity” is them having faith in me as a solo artist. I wanted to create a collection of works that paid homage to some of the extraordinary characters I have met in my life while reflecting on the complexity of human existence in general.
Jean-David Malat
Photographed by Erica Bergsmeds
Kojo Marfo and Jean David-Malat
Photographed by Erica Bergsmeds
How was it collaborating with Mariya Dykalo at Aspinal of London? They are beautiful silk scarves featuring your printed paintings!
It’s been a beautiful opportunity and was really unexpected. Aspinal is an iconic British brand and I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to work with them. The whole collaboration and my working relationship with Mariya was amazing - she’s such a visionary and someone who understands how to incorporate art into fashion. It’s a brand that epitomizes sophistication and I just feel very grateful to have my name attached to it.
Mariya Dykalo, Creative Director at Aspinal of London
Photographed by Erica Bergsmeds
Mariya Dykalo
Photographed by Erica Bergsmeds
Kojo Marfo, Mariya Dykalo and Jean-David Malat
Photographed by Erica Bergsmeds
What is the one item you can’t live without?
My mobile phone – I’m just being honest.
One thing that has kept you sane the last 12 months?
I’ve enjoyed painting and the stillness that lockdown has brought but, in a funny way, as an artist not that much has changed for me. Creating is always quite a lonely process so I suppose I’ve just been able to embrace that during the pandemic.
First place you will travel to when we are back to ‘normal’?
New York – I used to live there and really miss it.
Most interesting thing you have read or seen lately?
It came out a while ago but I really enjoyed the movie The Joker – I think it gave me a fresh understanding of human behaviour and made me reconsider how we understand mental health as a society.
What is your favourite memory and why?
My childhood. Wandering around my small town and being able to play with everyone without any fear. Nowadays if I look at children, it seems like they’re not allowed to grow up without constant supervision.
What is the one thing you’d like to be remembered for?
My art. I want people to speak about me in the same breath as Leger, Picasso and Van Gogh.
Who is your inspiration?
Wifredo Lam.
What’s your most annoying habit?
Not giving people the chance to speak, I’m always talking. Oh and I bite my fingernails.
What is it about the way you do what you do that you think separates you from others?
I’m not classically trained, so I work from intuition and don’t have academia to back me up. While I would have loved the chance to go to art school, it wasn’t an option for me, so I think even now I work more from my soul than my mind.
How do you positively contribute to our environment and “helping the planet”?
I try to paint on recycled cotton canvases and I sometimes use recycled acid-free card.
What’s the most fun project you have done and why?
Creating pieces for a charity to raise money for The Hepatitis C Trust. It was fun because everything I made for them was like a study for my show. I had a lot of freedom.
What do you like doing in your spare time?
I spend most of my spare time going to museums and galleries to help refresh my mind and to get inspiration. I love spending time with friends chewing the fat and reflecting on life. Hearing other people’s perspectives is always inspiring.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you while working on a project?
So at Christmas, I was working full steam towards “Dreaming of Identity” painting crazy hours every day. I wasn’t even seeing friends but still managed to get COVID and ended up hospitalised on Christmas Day. Thankfully, I was discharged after a couple of days and haven’t suffered long-term side effects. But the whole experience was a real eye-opener.
Where would you like to be in five years?
I want to be seen and known as one of Africa’s best artists.
What’s next for you?
I am working with JD Malat Gallery on a few exciting projects, they should be coming to fruition within the next year. I’m also working on some sculptures, most likely in bronze which I’m planning to reveal next year.
Kojo Marfo and Mariya Dukalo with Aspinal of London scarf
Kojo Marfo and Mariya Dukalo with Aspinal of London scarf
JB Fernandez Versini, Dave Benett and Jean-David Malat attending the launch event.
Photographed by Erica Bergsmeds
Olivia Arben and Erica Bergsmeds at the shows launch event .
Ophelia Sanderson and Erica Bergsmeds enjoying the launch.
Written By Ophelia Sanderson
Follow: @officialkojomarfo
Visit: JD Malat Gallery, 30 Davies St, London W1K 4NB @jdmalatgallery Aspinal of London 16 Regent Street St James's, London SW1Y 4PH @aspinaloflondon
Editor Noha Ismail
