In a world defined by flux and fragmentation, Kojo Marfo (Instagram) stands firmly rooted in self-defined creative ground. The Ghanaian-born, globally recognized artist brings his evocative visual language, Afrogenesis, to Dubai in a new exhibition, at JD Malat Gallery (Instagram), that explores identity, home, and cultural continuity. With each canvas, Marfo invites viewers into a visual kingdom: a sanctuary where heritage and modernity don’t just coexist, but elevate one another.
“Afrogenesis is a term I coined to describe my work, as I found that existing labels often feel borrowed,” Marfo explains. “It reflects my creative practice as rooted in African identity and heritage, yet it resists confinement by conventional definitions of ‘African’ or ‘modern’ art.”
In the exhibition at JD Malat Gallery, the idea of home emerges as an emotional anchor, far removed from borders or buildings. “Home is not a place we find on a map,” Kojo Marfo reflects. “But a space we carry within… where our thoughts settle, where our emotions take root.” It’s this internal geography that frames the narrative across his work, building a visual lexicon that speaks deeply to a diverse, often transient audience, especially in a place like Dubai.
“Despite Dubai being a transient space for many expatriates,” he notes, “people here are very much living in the present… transience doesn’t erase one’s sense of identity.” His pieces become visual affirmations, layered with personal symbolism and cultural echoes, reminding viewers that belonging begins from within.
Marfo’s art navigates the intersection of tradition and innovation, drawing from African iconography while engaging in global conversations. “Where I come from is my heritage, and the world is my canvas,” he says. “Even Picasso… was engaging with different cultures to create something new, different, and authentic.”
This philosophy doesn’t just inform his aesthetic, it has shaped his life. From Ghana to London to the world’s galleries, Kojo Marfo’s journey has been marked by resilience and purpose. “If everything in life were perfect, it wouldn’t feel real,” he shares. “I’ve had my fair share of uncertainties and surprises but I’ve come to embrace them as part of the process.”
When asked what emotion best captures his work, Marfo doesn’t hesitate: “If I had to describe my art as a feeling, I would call it a kingdom, a place where all cultures, emotions, and identities are welcomed and given space to belong.” It’s a sentiment that underpins his approach not just to art, but to community-building and cultural dialogue.
Dubai, with its rapidly evolving cultural landscape, felt like a natural home for Marfo’s vision. “Dubai has emerged as a beacon of peace and stability… shaping its own path toward multiculturalism and social development,” he explains. “With its rich cultural tapestry and deep sense of history, Dubai offers a unique space for dialogue and expression.”
Looking ahead, Marfo envisions collaborations that emphasize contrast as much as harmony. “If I were to collaborate with an artist from this region, I would call it Culture Collision,” he says. “It would be less about blending in and more about standing side by side… honouring differences while finding common ground.”
For Marfo, the exhibition is more than a showcase, it’s an offering. A moment of stillness. A call to reflect. A reminder of what connects us, even in the most unfamiliar places. Through Afrogenesis, he’s not just creating art, he’s building bridges, one vibrant, thoughtful stroke at a time.
The exhibition is showcasing at JD Malat Gallery, Downtown Dubai until May 31.
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