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Atta Kwami (Ghanaian, 1956-2021) Road Through Dunkwa, 1989 (unframed) image 1
Atta Kwami (Ghanaian, 1956-2021) Road Through Dunkwa, 1989 (unframed) image 2
Lot 117

Atta Kwami
(Ghanaian, 1956-2021)
Road Through Dunkwa, 1989 (unframed)

12 October 2023, 14:00 BST
London, New Bond Street

Sold for £7,680 inc. premium

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Atta Kwami (Ghanaian, 1956-2021)

Road Through Dunkwa, 1989
signed and dated 'KWAMI 89' (lower left); inscribed, titled and dated 'A. Kwami: "Road Through Dunkwa" 1989' (verso)
oil on canvas
50.5 x 50.5cm (19 7/8 x 19 7/8in).
(unframed)

Footnotes

Provenance
Acquired from Beardsmore Gallery, 2019;
A private collection.

The present work by Atta Kwami holds the bold geometrical elements and vivacious palette that have famed the artist. With differing levels of paint application, from diluted strokes to heavy impasto application, there is a level of dynamism within this work.

Born in Accra, the geometrical nature of Kwami's work can be argued to bare a resemblance to the paintings on Northern Ghanaian shops, houses, signs and woven textiles. The physical environment can be seen to bare a great influence on the artist and, beyond the aesthetic appearance, the concept of art within our living space can also be seen to influence his practise of public instillations. A notable installation by the artist which employs these core elements of geometric installations were on view at the Serpentine North Garden for a year from September 2022. As part of the Maria Lassing Prize (which Kwami won in 2021, the year before his death) the Serpentine presented a mural by the artist, Dzidzɔ kple amenuveve (Joy and Grace), who was also being celebrated for his art historical, printmaking and curatorial practices. This commission demonstrates how significant the works of Kwami are.

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