
Helene Love-Allotey
Head of Department
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Head of Department

Provenance
Acquired from Gallery 1957, 2016;
A private collection.
Exploring notions of constructed identities, Dr. Serge Attukwei Clottey explores the ideas of reclaiming stolen identities in the present work. In a 2017 article documenting Gallery 1957's "Takeover" of Lawrie Shabibi, it is noted that 'One might recall the non-generic art forms of Picasso, Braque and Matisse that experimented with abstract representations of the human figure – all of which were heavily influenced by African art. In Clottey's work we see a resemblance of such forms, albeit through contemporary depiction' (Rebecca Anne Proctor, 'Accra's Gallery 1957 To "Takeover" Lawrie Shabibi In Dubai', Harper's Bazaar, (online article, December 2017)). Indeed, a similar work by Clottey made in 2017 is titled Impressing myself, depicting a representation of an African mask in charcoal and pastel on paper. This symbolism of sculptural references possesses a central role in many of his works pointing toward a notion of reclaim in post colonial art.
Born in Ghana in 1985, Clottey has developed a multidisciplinary style, working also across installations, sculpture and performance. Following his education in Ghana and Brazil, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Art from the University of Brighton in 2019 where he urged graduates to act in "hope, belief and determination" (Serge Attukwei Clottey, 'The importance of hope in difficult times', University of Brighton, (Online: August 2019)). The artist's steady rise to success has not waivered his commitment to addressing issues of colonialism and social injustice.