Unseen photographs by JK Bruce-Vanderpuije are a glimpse of life in Twentieth-century Ghana

‘JK Bruce-Vanderpuije’s exceptional imaginative and prescient gives us a window to the sweetness, tradition and day by day lifetime of a Ghana that after was,’ says Kwame Mintah, director of Efie Gallery, Dubai, which co-presents unseen pictures from the late Ghanaian photographer (1899–1989). ‘On this prolific photographer’s works, we uncover not solely his genius as a practitioner and innovator but additionally the evolution of Ghanaian tradition and identification over the Twentieth century.’

‘Unveiling the Shadows of the Previous: JK Bruce-Vanderpuije – The Hidden Icon of Images in Africa’

Trying again on a profession that spanned seven a long time, the exhibition of Bruce-Vanderpuije’s works is at Dubai’s Efie Gallery till 24 February 2024, curated by Ethiopian artist Aïda Muluneh, after beforehand being showcased at 1-54 Up to date African Artwork Honest in London final yr.

The ‘forgotten forefather of Twentieth-century African images’ captured his nation’s historical past from boxing tradition to marriage rituals, colonial Gold Coast to independence, with photographs relationship again to the Twenties.

Over the course of three years, the works have been restored by Bruce-Vanderpuije’s granddaughter Kate Tamakloe, and now have a everlasting house on the Deo Gratias studio (based by Bruce-Vanderpuije in 1922) in Accra.

The Dubai exhibition chronicles an genuine narrative of West Africa, and showcases glimpses of day by day life throughout the a long time.

‘The method of restoring my grandfather’s pictures has been a labour of affection over the previous three years, enabling us to mirror upon Ghana’s historical past with a contemporary perspective,’ displays Tamakloe. ‘The images proceed to show us new issues about life and society throughout his time. Because the custodian of my grandfather’s property, my work with Efie Gallery is a vital step ahead in preserving his legacy and sharing it with the general public.’

The modern artwork gallery, based by Ghanaian household Valentina, Kwame and Kobi Mintah, focuses on the illustration and development of artists of African origin (‘Efie’ is Twi for ‘house’), and promotes the cross-cultural dialogue between African artists and communities the world over.

‘Unveiling the Shadows of the Previous: JK Bruce-Vanderpuije – The Hidden Icon of Images in Africa’ is on present till 24 February 2024 at Efie Gallery