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Phillips in Collaboration with Artemartis Presents

Birds of a Feather

An Exhibition of Works by Young Contemporary Artists from Ghana

On View at 30 Berkeley Square from 1 to 10 February 2022

LONDON – 26 JANUARY 2022 – Phillips, in collaboration with Artemartis, is pleased to announce Birds of a Feather, a survey of contemporary art in Ghana. Showcasing 18 works by six rising young stars, the private selling exhibition will go on show at 30 Berkeley Square from 1 to 10 February 2022.

Artemartis is a Ghanaian based Art Agency & Collective that, since its inception in 2018, has built a roster of talented contemporary artists. Birds of a Feather marks the first time this group of artists has exhibited together outside of Ghana. United by an exploration of selfhood, each artist exhibiting in Birds of a Feather constructs an original visual language anchored in a uniquely West African cultural aesthetic, navigating the complexities of identity formation within a Ghanaian socio-political context. The artists deploy a diverse range of aesthetic strategies including portraiture, abstraction, and collage; creating a one-of-a kind opportunity to view the burgeoning cultural production of Ghana’s emerging contemporary art community. The artists exhibited include Awanle Ayiboro Hawa Ali, Courage Hunke, James Mishio, Araba Opoku, Abdur Rahman Muhammed, and Kwaku Yaro.

Selasie Gomado, Founder of Artemartis, said, “I had always wanted to be an artist but was persuaded by my family to study engineering. Even with a mechanical engineering degree in hand, I always felt a strong attraction to art. That calling did not go away and thus Artemartis was launched in 2018. Since the launch, we have worked on multiple projects, all of which demonstrate the power of teamwork and have resulted in solid community of talent and heart, which is bigger than just art. Artemartis is a whole movement. The artists I have met and grown with have a lot in common and have shared experiences which have further solidified their bond, making them what I believe will be a formidable force in the art scene. Their passion for art is what brings them together, and their drive to achieve the impossible in their own little world is evident in their works and day-to-day lives. Their stories serve as an inspiration to me every day.”

Miety Heiden, Deputy Chairwoman and Head of Private Sales, said, “Phillips is honoured to collaborate with Artemartis, who provide incredible support to some of Ghana’s young emerging artists, growing their practice and elevating their voices to an international audience. These artists challenge the status quo, each in their own way, presenting powerful themes and diverse narratives that are sending shockwaves through their country’s cultural scene. Their work comes together here in London for the first time, forming a unique show that should not be missed.”

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ABOUT PHILLIPS

Phillips is a leading global platform for buying and selling 20th and 21st century art and design. With dedicated expertise in the areas of 20th Century and Contemporary Art, Design, Photographs, Editions, Watches, and Jewelry, Phillips offers professional services and advice on all aspects of collecting. Auctions and exhibitions are held at salerooms in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong, while clients are further served through representative offices based throughout Europe, the United States and Asia. Phillips also offers an online auction platform accessible anywhere in the world. In addition to providing selling and buying opportunities through auction, Phillips brokers private sales and offers assistance with appraisals, valuations, and other financial services.

Visit www.phillips.com for further information.

ABOUT ARTEMARTIS

Artemartis is a Ghanaian based Art Agency & Collective with a diverse group of contemporary artists. The diversity in their artistry has produced works ranging from abstract to realism, picture and film making to digitalism. Artemartis discovers artists, represents them, promotes and sells their work, offers consultancy and stages exhibitions. The agency has held several large-scale shows in Ghana, which have contributed immensely in the growing interest of Ghanaians in the art scene, especially with the youth. In the past few years, some of the artists like Araba Opoku and James Mishio, who have grown with Artemartis since its inception in 2018, have had their works shown in prominent galleries and art fairs. Together with a roster of talented artists, they work individually and as a collective unit to redefine their world in their own special way.

Visit https://theartemartis.com for further information.

PRESS CONTACTS:

LONDON – Katie Carder, Head of Press, Europe kcarder@phillips.com +44 20 7901 7938

PHILLIPS LONDON – 30 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6EX

PHILLIPS NEW YORK – 432 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022

PHILLIPS HONG KONG – 14/F St. George’s Building, 2 Ice House Street, Central Hong Kong

PHILLIPS GENEVA – Rue de la Confédération, 7 Geneva 1204

26 January 2022

Phillips in Collaboration with Artemartis Presents Birds of a Feather