THE BRIDGE

SAMUEL BAAH KORTEY | BIJUCA BALDE

Opening Today!

Friday, 21st June, 2024

Duo exhibition of the artists in residence - Samuel Baah Kortey and Bijuca Balde ?

Presented by Esblank in collaboration with The African Art Hub

Friday, June 21st | From 6 to 10 p.m.

*Open to the public

ESBLANK is thrilled to announce its inaugural collaboration with The African Art Hub, resulting in the "THE BRIDGE" project. This exhibition features the works of two distinguished artists, Samuel Baah Kortey and Bijuca Balde, who have participated in the Esblank Residency program during June.

Project Overview ?

The title "THE BRIDGE" symbolizes the union, communication, exchange, and progress achieved through this collaboration. This initiative aims to nurture and promote the diverse talents of African artists on the global stage, fostering creativity and artistic development. It also underscores a cultural exchange, reflecting the commitment of both organizations to support and empower artists in their careers while enriching our cultural fabric with diverse international perspectives. ?

Both artists have experienced transformative journeys during their residency in Mallorca, incorporating the concept of a bridge from different perspectives. The bridge serves as a universal metaphor for transit, rites of passage, and connections.?

Historically, romantics like William Blake and Coleridge have used the bridge as an allegorical image, symbolising crossing boundaries and immersing oneself in new, unfamiliar realities. It can be both physical and abstract, representing personal journeys, connections between people, or even the link between life and death.

Featured Artists and Their Works

Samuel Baah Kortey:?

?"The Permanent Tourist" Samuel Baah Kortey's series highlights the struggles, fears, and survival of many individuals. Using celebratory objects and tools, Samuel captures the life and death of anonymous immigrants who survived perilous sea journeys in search of better opportunities.?

The predominant color, blue, symbolizes danger and fear associated with migration and travel, contrasting with its usual connotations of serenity and stability. For Samuel, the sea represents trauma and chaos rather than mystery and hope.

Bijuca Balde:?

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"Madonna" Bijuca Balde's project, grounded in the theoretical framework of the Madonna Concept, explores the mystical journey of women in a society that still battles institutionalized subordination and invisibility of the feminine. This work delves into feminist theory, examining the restrictive binary perceptions of women imposed by patriarchal structures.?

The Madonna Concept juxtaposes the virtuous "Madonna" with the vilified "whore," highlighting how these perceptions influence women's social value and identities.

Bijuca's project addresses how patriarchy shapes societal views on women's value and identity, especially as they transition from childhood to adulthood. It critiques the rigid roles women are confined to based on their sexuality, consumption, and power dynamics. This exploration sheds light on the ongoing struggle for women to assert their identities and autonomy within a patriarchal framework. ?

Consumption patterns and power dynamics are key focal points, illustrating how patriarchal norms dictate women's choices and undermine their authority. Bijuca's work aims to unravel these dichotomies, revealing their damaging effects and advocating for a more nuanced understanding of women's experiences and identities. ?

In essence, Bijuca Balde's project contributes to the broader discourse on gender equality, challenging and deconstructing the patriarchal structures that continue to marginalize women.

We invite you to experience "THE BRIDGE" and witness the profound artistic expressions of Samuel Baah Kortey and Bijuca Balde.?

This exhibition not only showcases their individual talents but also emphasizes the importance of cultural exchange and the empowerment of African artists on a global stage.