“ADANSINI: Reimagining Adansi Architecture through Afrofuturist Visions” Clifford Bright-Abu’s Solo Exhibition at Buro, Accra, Ghana

Digital artist Clifford Bright-Abu is set to unveil his ground-breaking exhibition, “Adansini,” on 24th November, 2023 at Buro in Accra, Ghana. The exhibition, curated by Nuna Adisenu- Doe, promises a captivating journey into the rich architectural history of the Adansi people, exploring the fusion of tradition and futuristic vision.

In “Adansini,” Bright-Abu, hailing from the Adansi people, delves into the historical archives of West African and North African kingdoms, with a particular focus on the Adansi’s pre- colonial architectural marvels. This exhibition invites viewers to witness the imaginative reinterpretation of these architectural wonders within the contemporary context of Kumasi, Ghana.

The Adansi people, among the pioneering Akan states during the 15th century, were revered as royal builders, shaping the architectural landscape of the Ashanti Kingdom. Bright-Abu, equipped with a background in Building Technology, utilizes digital tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Blender, and Illustrator to breathe new life into ancient and historic buildings, transcending the boundaries of time.

Traditional Asante buildings, characterized by the “wattle and daub” construction method, adorned with intricate ornamentation and high-relief designs, have faced the erosion of indigenous practices due to foreign influences. “Adansini” seeks to revive and celebrate these architectural masterpieces, exploring the dynamic intersection of technology and tradition.

Bright-Abu’s work goes beyond historical homage; he infuses Afrofuturist elements, presenting a forward-looking, imaginative approach to African culture. His creations pay tribute to the legacy left behind by the builders of Adansi, speculating on what these structures might become in a world where culture, technology, and spirituality converge in innovative ways.

The exhibition challenges geographical constraints, placing reimagined structures in unconventional environments—pink deserts, alongside turquoise rivers, and beyond. By doing so, Bright-Abu expands the possibilities of where these architectural wonders might thrive, transcending the usual context of Kumasi.

Curated by Nuna Adisenu-Doe, “Adansini” promises a thought-provoking experience that not only reimagines the past but propels it into the realm of the future. The exhibition will run from November 24, 2023, to December 7, 2023, at Buro in Accra, Ghana.

About Clifford Bright-Abu

Clifford Bright- Abu (b. 1997) is a Ghanaian contemporary artist who lives and works in Accra. His artistic practice of reimagined digital renditions of ancient African architecture wonders, buildings and culture of yesteryears stems from his background in Building Technology which equips him with the skills and knowledge to navigate the intricate world of local architecture and buildings.

His work also highlights lost African culture and explores their position in an evolving world with a look to be inter-generational. Works of this form express the paradigms through which African heritage can maintain its cultural difference while making organic advances on ill- fitting structures.

For inquiries, please contact: caleb@africanscolumn.com