Kunsthalle Wien: Ibrahim Mahama reveals the burden of history!

Kunsthalle Wien: Ibrahim Mahama reveals the burden of history!

Good news for art lovers in Vienna: From July 9th to November 2nd, 2025, the Kunsthalle Wien will present the first solo exhibition of the Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama in Austria. Mahama, born in 1987 in Tamale, Ghana, is known for his powerful works that explore the material legacy of colonialism, postcolonialism and industrialization in his home country. The opening of the exhibition will take place on July 8th at 7:00 p.m. and fits perfectly into the artistic heart of the MuseumsQuartier.

In this fascinating show, Mahama will install a full-fledged diesel locomotive, which he acquired in 2022, as the central element. This locomotive, imported from Germany in the 1960s, was used to transport minerals and other goods and is a powerful symbol of the colonial and capitalist exploitation that has shaped the Ghanaian economy. Around the locomotive, the artist will arrange thousands of enameled iron “heads,” representing vessels commonly used in Ghana to carry goods. An important aspect of his work is the critical examination of the history of the Ghanaian railway network, which emerged under British colonial rule in the 1890s, as well as the physical act of loading, carrying and unloading weight.

The message behind Mahama's art

But Mahama goes further in his works: Accompanying the installation, a photo documentation is shown that shows over 100 X-ray images of spinal deformities, which illustrate the physical effects of wearing “headpans”. These works illustrate the interpersonal and social burdens that were created by the colonial structures. Ibrahim Mahama criticizes the systems shaped by colonialism, which cause lasting damage not only to the economy but also to human health and well-being in Ghana.

Mahama's commitment goes beyond art; He has invested heavily in educational and cultural infrastructure in Ghana in recent years. For example, it cost him $1 million to acquire six decommissioned aircraft for his Red Clay Studio in Tamale, which has served as a creative platform since 2020 and attracts around 100,000 visitors annually, including many high school students. His vision is to create a cultural institution through art that supports future generations and stimulates discussions about art and history.

A look at Mahama's career

The solo exhibition in Vienna is just another highlight in Mahama's remarkable career. He has exhibited at international art centers such as the Barbican Centre, New York's The High Line and various biennials worldwide. His works are present not only in Ghanaian but also in international collections such as the Dia Art Foundation. Mahama is also artistic director of the 35th Ljubljana Graphics Biennale, which underlines his importance in the contemporary art scene.

Vienna can therefore look forward to an exciting exhibition that not only stimulates thought, but also conveys a feeling for the complex relationships between history and society, which Mahama interprets creatively and provocatively. This exhibition will be a must for anyone interested in art, history and the resulting social issues.

For more information about the exhibition Kunsthalle Wien and Ibrahim Mahama Studio International as well MyDistrict can be found here.