Nubuke Foundation Reopens on 23 November 2019 With Photographic Exhibition- ‘James Barnor: A Retrospective’
Nubuke Foundation is pleased to officially announce the reopening of its bespoke arts space and extended campus at its existing premises in East Legon, Accra, following two years of reconstruction. This is a milestone in the development of arts and cultural infrastructure in Ghana and West Africa.
Designed by architects, Baerbel Mueller and Juergen Strohmayer, the space now comprises of 3 buildings with galleries, shops, meeting areas, a residency and studio space, library, visitors lounge and a mix of recreational areas. The highlight of the reopened space is the new naturally lit and airy two-tiered gallery with over 500sqm indoor and outdoor exhibition space, which connects to the indoors through majestic doorways, windows and vitrines with sweeping views across the city, luscious plantations and environs.
Visitors can expect varied experiences through an exciting programme of exhibitions, performances, film screenings, talks and private events.
In the past decade, Nubuke Foundation has quietly but boldly initiated many significant programmes to support the career of many young Ghanaian artists. This building project is a testament to our belief that Ghana has an incredible pool of talented creative people, and this space has been carefully and purposely recreated to spotlight them and their practice. Nubuke Foundation will continue to be ambitious, nurture and showcase the works of young Ghanaian artists whilst playing host to international exhibitions through our networks. Our focus will turn also to strengthening the capacity of our team so that we can continue to offer world class programming, inspire creatives, children and the community. Odile Tevie, Director
Considering Nubuke Foundation’s dedication to preserve, record and promote the visual arts and culture of Ghana, it is a privilege to officially launch the new gallery with a retrospective exhibition of celebrated photographer, James Barnor.
Born in Accra in 1929, James Barnor is a pioneer of Ghanaian photography. Barnor’s career covers a remarkable period in history, bridging continents and photographic genres to create a transatlantic narrative marked by his passionate interest in people and cultures. Barnor’s photographs represent societies in transition: Ghana moving towards its independence and London becoming a cosmopolitan, multicultural metropolis.
Barnor’s life has been punctuated by many firsts, making him an incredible record of historic and iconic moments. He founded his first photographic studio, Ever Young, in 1953 and went on to capture luminaries including Ghana’s first prime minister, Kwame Nkrumah. Additionally, Barnor was engaged as the first photojournalist to work with the Daily Graphic and he was also regularly commissioned by Drum magazine – South Africa’s influential anti- apartheid journal for lifestyle and politics – for whom he photographed several news features, including Gold Coast’s champion boxer Roy Ankrah, aka The Black Flash. In 1969, Barnor opened the first colour processing laboratory and studio X23 in Accra.
Many never seen James Barnor’s photographs and candid reflections will be on show at Nubuke Foundation, 7 Lome Close, East Legon, Accra from 23 November 2019 to 10 May 2020 with additional support from Arts Collaboratory, Institut Français and Clementine de la Férronière.
Note to Editors
Nubuke Foundation
Nubuke Foundation is a private visual art and cultural institution based in Accra, Ghana. Founded in 2006, it serves as a nexus for arts and culture across the country while supporting the artistic practice of Ghanaians: young, mid-career and experienced. Programming includes exhibitions, art talks, seminars, workshops and spaces for drama, poetry, music and film collaborations.
Arts Collaboratory
Arts Collaboratory (AC) is a network of twenty-five diverse arts organisations in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Europe. AC is a trans-local ecosystem, focusing on art practices and processes of social change and working with communities within and beyond the arts.
Institut Français, Ghana
Institut Français, Ghana is the arm of the French Embassy in Ghana in charge of cross- cultural exchanges and organizing educational, linguistic, and cultural programs. It is deeply committed to the promotion of cultural cooperation between French, French speaking and Ghanaian professionals in the fields of arts, especially visual and contemporary arts.
Clémentine de la Féronnière
Clémentine de la Féronnière is a Parisian based gallery and book publisher representing James Barnor.
CONTACT
nucontact@nubukefoundation.org
+233 (0) 277445596
SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITES
Twitter – InfoNubuke
Instagram – Nubuke_Foundation
Facebook – NubukeFoundation
Website – www.nubukefoundation.org
