Curatorial Statement on Art ExhibitionThe Beautiful Nonsense

November 02, 2023

Curatorial Statement on Art ExhibitionThe Beautiful Nonsense

Source: https://www.facebook.com/amoako.peter.98?mibextid=ZbWKwL

"The Beautiful Nonsense" draws its inspiration from Ernest Temple Thurston's 1909 best-selling novel, "The City of Beautiful Nonsense." This title, in a curious twist of fate, has become synonymous with Cape Coast, Ghana's first capital, a city steeped in rich historical and cultural heritage, often lovingly referred to as "the town of beautiful nonsense."

Thurston's novel, "The City of Beautiful Nonsense," critically dissects the shallowness and pretensions of the artistic and cultural world, shedding light on the stark contrast between appearances and substance.This exhibition unabashedly leans on Thurston's literary work, curating a captivating journey into the realm of paradoxes and playful contradictions.

Through a carefully selected array of artworks, these exhibits uncover the intrinsic beauty concealed within seemingly nonsensical mediums, often composed of discarded materials, and employ astonishing techniques. By challenging conventional notions of coherence and purpose, "Beautiful Nonsense" inspires the viewer to explore the aesthetics of ambiguity and the allure of the inexplicable.

This collection transcends the boundaries of traditional artistic expression, inviting viewers to embrace the harmony of chaos and the eloquence of absurdity. "Beautiful Nonsense" stands as a testament to the idea that creativity knows no bounds, to wits, each artwork is an ode to the unbridled power of the imagination.

As the popular Akan saying goes, "dua kontonkyikuronkyi na ema yehunu odwomfo pa," meaning "crooked wood reveals who a good carver is," many of the exhibited artists have masterfully explored the use of trash as a medium.

From the use of matchsticks, trash cans, toothpicks, plastic straws, ghost nets, burnt papers, wire mesh, to plastic bottle tops, among other discarded materials, these artists exemplify the proverbial Akan saying, "nyansapo wosane no badwemma," which means "the knot of wisdom is untied only by the wise.

"In a world where production often culminates in a disposal dilemma, resulting in a significant financial burden for states, many of these artists seek to redefine creativity by showcasing the ingenuity found in repurposing discarded materials as their primary medium.

By transforming waste into stunning artworks, these creators not only draw attention to the urgent issue of environmental sustainability but also challenge conventional notions of beauty, value, and artistic expression.

In this way, the artists employ their art to raise awareness and inspire new ways of thinking, encouraging a shift from mere disposal to regeneration. "Beautiful Nonsense" reshapes the relationship between art and its viewers and, in a broader sense, our relationship with the environment.

The exhibition invites all to reflect on and encourages us to reconsider our relationship with the materials we discard and the potential for renewal within our world of waste. Consequently, we celebrate the unapologetic coexistence of contradictory concepts, inviting contemplation and introspection.

As we navigate the interplay of contradictions within the exhibit, we are reminded that art, much like life, can be a canvas on which we project our interpretations, finding resonance in the exquisite dance between the beautiful and the nonsensical.

Curators

Prof. Richard Acquaye

Rikki Wemega-Kwawu

Please kindly pass by the Science and Technology Museum to witness this spectacular Group Exhibition.

Exhibition opens 1st November to 30th November!