A look into the past: Ibrahim Mahama brings history in Vienna!

A look into the past: Ibrahim Mahama brings history in Vienna!

Kunsthalle Wien, Österreich - On July 8, 2025, the Kunsthalle Vienna opened its new solo exhibition by the Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama under the title "Zilijifa". This exhibition, which will be shown by November 2, 2025, addresses the material heir of colonialism, postcolonialism and industrialization in Ghana and offers a deep insight into the past of the Ghanaian rail network, which was built under British colonial rule in the 19th century. Mahama himself grew up near a disused railway line, but never saw a train.

The exhibition shows 5000 sheet metal bowls used by women in Ghana to transport different goods. These bowls form a long passage in the hall, while a stuck locomotive hovers above them. The locomotive is a central element of installation and is reminiscent of Ghana's colonial history. Mahama explains that the women wear weights in these bowls that correspond to the weight of the locomotive.

Multi-dimensional art installation

The artistic presentation not only includes the sheet metal bowls, but also massive wooden thresholds with large -format photographs and picture frames from tracks. An impressive installation of 125 X -ray images shows deformed vertebral columns of Ghanaian women, which illustrates the physical stress, which are connected to the use of these bowls. In addition, in a video installation, the history of the bowls is told by interviews with the women who use them.

Another fascinating part of the exhibition is a film that documents the exchange of old, trench bowls against new, shiny bowls. These representations reflect the different uses of the bowls that are used not only for transport, but also for everyday things such as firewood, oil, children's bathing and cooking.

artistic and social responsibility

brahim Mahama, who founded a studio in northern Ghana in 2014 with the money from his first sold work, uses his art as a platform for social responsibility. His studio comprises around 80 hectares and serves as an exhibition and workshop room for the local population. He has integrated surrounding properties that are used, for example, as a farm or school. He holds sheep and goats and emphasizes that his art is intended not only for humans, but also for the entire ecosystem.

In a conversation for the opening of the exhibition, Mahama discussed with Baerbel Mueller, professor at the Institute for Architecture at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, about the profound topics of his art.

in the context of growing discussions about restitution and the return of colonial objects, such as the Benin bronze, Mahama's approach is particularly relevant. The examination of colonial trauma and the cultural importance of objects plays a central role in contemporary art. An example of this is the exhibition "Efie. The Museum as Home. Art from Ghana" by Nana Oforiaatte Ayim, which shows how historical objects can be brought into today's art to stimulate dialogue via colonial heritage and cultural identity.

with "Zilijifa", Mahama offers an impressive platform for reflection on the effects of colonialism and the associated social responsibility in today's world. The exhibition will be shown in the Kunsthalle Vienna until November 2, 2025, where it stimulates a wide audience to deal with the topics of colonialism and contemporary art.

For more information about the exhibition "Zilijifa" Visit OE24, White Cube and taz.