The Institute Museum of Ghana welcomed art enthusiasts to a captivating art exhibition titled 'Refuge: An uncommon home.'

The exhibition, a collaborative effort by the 2021 Absa L'Atelier Ambassadors – Michael Jackson Blebo (Ghana), Adelheid Frackiewicz (South Africa), and Ayobola Kekere-Ekun (Nigeria) – offered a powerful journey of self-reflection and artistic expression.

It took place on Thursday, July 27, 2023.

Absa L’Atelier, a prestigious Pan-African art competition with a legacy spanning 37 years, is annually hosted by Absa in partnership with the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA).

The competition provides a platform for emerging artists from across the African continent to showcase their talent and explore diverse themes through their artwork.

'Refuge: An uncommon home' saw each artist bring their unique perspective to the exhibition, resulting in a thought-provoking and emotionally charged display.

Michael Jackson Blebo, hailing from Ghana, masterfully captured the essence of vulnerability and resilience through his artwork. His pieces served as a window into the human experience, inviting viewers to introspect on their own struggles and triumphs.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the event, Michael explained urged young artistes to work towards achieving their dream.

“The little thing I have to say is that do not let anyone despise your humble begingings and greatness are bound to begin,” he said.

Adelheid Frackiewicz, representing South Africa, used her artistic prowess to delve into themes of identity and belonging while Nigerian artist Ayobola Kekere-Ekun's artwork explored the concept of 'home' and the emotional refuge it provides.

The Institute Museum of Ghana in La, Accra, provided an ideal setting for the exhibition, allowing visitors to immerse themselves fully in the artists' narratives.

The collaboration between the three talented Absa L'Atelier Ambassadors showcased the power of art to transcend geographical boundaries and connect people through shared emotions and experiences.

As the exhibition concluded, visitors left with a newfound appreciation for the power of art to bridge gaps, challenge perspectives, and offer solace in the face of adversity.

Also at the event was Absa Bank’s Marketing and Corporate Relations Director, Nana Essilfuah Tamakloe.

She indicated that as the Absa L'Atelier continues its journey of promoting Pan-African art, exhibitions like this reaffirm the indomitable spirit of the continent's creative community.

"We invite young artistes from across the continent to join the competition and usually once we unearth the talent we support them with some mastercalls in art business and also we try to organsie what we call a solo exhibition and a travel exhibition. What you're seeing here today is their travel exhibition," Nana explained to culture journalist, Kenneth Awotwe Darko.

'Refuge: An uncommon home' delves into the depths of the artists' inner worlds, providing them with a means to confront personal trauma, address their fears, and find strength in navigating life's uncertainties.