blaxTARLINES Kumasi is an innovative art incubator that has quietly become a cornerstone of contemporary African art.
Established in 2015, this experimental art space operates under the Department of Painting and Sculpture at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
It serves as a dynamic community for artists, curators, and scholars, fostering a culture of radical artistic exploration and intellectual exchange.
A Legacy of Radical Art Education
The roots of blaxTARLINES KUMASI trace back to a transformative period in the 1990s when visionary educators at KNUST sought to transform art education in Ghana.
Led by figures such as Dr. kąrî’kạchä seid’ou, this movement challenged traditional Eurocentric art curricula, advocating for a more inclusive and expansive approach that embraced diverse media and practices.
This paradigm shift laid the foundation for what would become blaxTARLINES, promoting values of universality and multiplicity in art.
A Hub for Experimental Art Practices
blaxTARLINES KUMASI functions as a trans-generational and trans-cultural community, operating on principles of affirmative politics and generative models.
In response to challenges such as limited public funding for contemporary art in the region, the collective has implemented initiatives aimed at nurturing critical art practices.
These include developing cultural platforms, residencies, social networks, studios, and public access art spaces, all designed to foster artistic exploration and knowledge exchange.
Notable Exhibitions and Collaborations
The collective accumulated acclaim for its large-scale exhibitions which serve as testing grounds for new symbolic relations between artworks and the production of knowledge. These exhibitions are characterized by intergenerational dialogues, collective curating, and accessibility programming, reflecting the collective’s commitment to inclusivity and equality. Noteworthy exhibitions include “Gown must go to Town” (2015), “Cornfields in Accra” (2016), and “Orderly Disorderly” (2017), each challenging conventional narratives and showcasing the depth of contemporary Ghanaian art.
Beyond its local impact, blaxTARLINES KUMASI has established international collaborations, engaging in exchange programs with art schools in Germany and residency swaps in Denmark and Uganda. These initiatives have positioned the collective as a significant player in the global art scene, fostering cross-cultural dialogues and expanding the reach of Ghanaian contemporary art.
A Quiet Revolution in Arts Education
The emergence of blaxTARLINES KUMASI signifies a quiet revolution in arts education within Ghana. By challenging traditional didactics and embracing experimental, inclusive approaches, the collective has redefined the landscape of contemporary art in the region. This fluid, experimental network stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in transforming artistic practices and education.
BlaxTARLINES KUMASI exemplifies the transformative potential of art collectives in reshaping cultural narratives and educational frameworks. Through its commitment to radical inclusivity, experimental practices, and community engagement, it has solidified its position as a secret hub for Ghana’s most innovative artists, contributing significantly to the global discourse on contemporary African art. When you think of Kumasi, think of blaxTARLINES!
