Kunsthalle Vienna: Ibrahim Mahama reveals the burden of history!

Kunsthalle Vienna: Ibrahim Mahama reveals the burden of history!

Kunsthalle Wien, Museumsquartier, 1070 Wien, Österreich - Good news for art lovers in Vienna: From July 9th to November 2, 2025, the Kunsthalle Vienna will present the first solo exhibition by the Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama in Austria. Mahama, born in 1987 in Tamale, Ghana, is known for his impressive work, which deals with 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 perfectly into the artistic heart of the museum district.

In this fascinating show, Mahama will install a full -fledged diesel locomotive that he has acquired since 2022 as a central element. This locomotive, which was imported from Germany in the 1960s, served the transport of minerals and other goods and is a strong symbol for the colonial and capitalist exploitation that the Ghanaian economy shaped. Around the locomotive, the artist will arrange thousands of enameled iron "head breakdowns" thousands, which represent used vessels in Ghana. An important aspect of his work is the critical examination of the history of the Ghanaian rail network, which was created under British colonial rule in the 1890s, as well as the physical act of shop, wearing and unloading of weight.

The message behind Mahama's art

But Mahama continues in his works: Accompanying the installation, photo documentation is shown that illustrates over 100 X -rays of vertebral sowing formations, which illustrate the physical effects of wearing "headpans". This works illustrate the interpersonal and social stress caused by the colonial structures. Ibrahim Mahama criticizes the systems characterized by colonialism, which not only damage the economy, but also human health and well -being in Ghana.

Mahama's commitment goes beyond art; He has invested a lot in educational and cultural infrastructure in Ghana in recent years. For example, it cost him $ 1 million to acquire six outdoor aircraft for his Red Clay Studio in Tabale, which has served as a creative platform since 2020 and attracts around 100,000 visitors annually, including many 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 only another highlight in Mahama's remarkable career. He has already exhibited in international art centers such as the Barbican Center, the New York The High Line and various Biennals worldwide. His works are not only present in Ghanaian, but also in international collections, such as the DIA Art Foundation. Mahama is also the artistic director of the 35th graphic Biennale of Ljubljana, which underlines its importance in the contemporary art scene.

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

For more information about the exhibition Kunsthalle Vienna and Ibrahim Mahama [Studio International] (https://www.studiointernational.com/index.php/ibrahim-mahama-interview-its-about-threlations hips-created-in-the-process-ghana) as well Meinverkirk