In an unprecedented showcase of cultural heritage and artistic prowess, the Ghana Creative Arts Council (GCAC) has hosted a sensational exhibition featuring the iconic work of Ghanaian artist Kassim, whose life-sized masterpiece, Harry the Barber, captivated over 1,300 attendees.

The exhibition, held as part of Ghana’s celebrated Year of Return initiative, highlighted Kassim’s unique ability to translate the immigrant experience into a profound visual and emotional journey. This event was hailed as a cultural triumph, blending art, history, and identity in a way that has never been seen before.

Kassim’s Harry the Barber, along with other notable works like The Myth of Return, Game Night, The Bathroom Salon, and Ramadan, invited visitors into an immersive exploration of the African diaspora experience. The life-sized paintings, rich in texture and colour, brought to life the quiet yet powerful moments of everyday life for immigrants, resonating with themes of community, connection, and displacement.

The Director of the Ghana Creative Arts Council, Nana Kwasi Agyemang, was quick to commend Kassim’s work. "This is a historic moment for Ghanaian art. Kassim’s ability to evoke the essence of belonging and nostalgia through such vivid, tactile art is nothing short of revolutionary. Harry the Barber does not just tell a story; it pulls you into it, making you feel the loss, the connection, and the hope. This exhibition is a landmark moment for the Year of Return, bringing together history, art, and cultural memory in a way that enriches our national narrative."

Prominent figures in the Ghanaian art industry echoed these sentiments. Esteemed curator and cultural critic Ama Ata Osei described the event as “a turning point for Ghana’s art scene. The Ghana Creative Arts Council has outdone itself by giving Kassim’s work the platform it deserves. The response from the public has been overwhelming, and this exhibition shows that Ghanaian art can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world.”

Kwame Opoku, the celebrated art historian and lecturer at the University of Ghana, noted, “What Kassim has done is unprecedented—she’s taken the mundane, like a simple haircut, and elevated it to a symbol of resilience and solidarity among immigrants. Her use of life-sized scale and tactile textures allows viewers to engage with the work on a deeply emotional level, making it one of the most significant contributions to the Year of Return.”

The exhibition’s impact reached beyond Ghana’s borders. International guests and members of the diaspora visiting Ghana for the Year of Return expressed deep appreciation for the immersive and personal nature of Kassim’s work. One visitor from the United States commented, “This is my first time in Ghana, and seeing these pieces—especially Harry the Barber—felt like a homecoming. The artwork captures the essence of our shared experiences across the diaspora, and it’s incredible to see such talent celebrated on this scale.”

The Year of Return initiative, launched by the Ghanaian government in 2019 to commemorate 400 years since the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in America, has become a flagship event for reconnecting African descendants with their heritage. Kassim’s exhibition has now become a focal point within this larger narrative, demonstrating the power of art to transcend borders and foster unity.

The event solidified Ghana’s position as a global cultural hub, with the Ghana Creative Arts Council setting new standards for artistic engagement. Kassim’s work, blending life-sized visuals with tactile experiences, has not only left a lasting impression but also set the stage for future celebrations that bring the global African community together through art and cultural exchange.